Atiku Abubakar, the People’s Democratic Party’s presidential candidate, says picking Okowa as his running partner was a difficult decision.
He did, however, mention Okowa’s extensive experience and political trajectory, which he believes puts him in a strong position to succeed him.
This was announced by Atiku during the announcement of Okowa as his running mate at the PDP National Headquarters, Wadata Plaza, Wuse Abuja, on Thursday.
“I solicited input and advice from a wide range of stakeholders in our party, including our Governors, National Working Committee, Board of Trustees, and other leaders, in making my decision.”
“During these meetings, I made it clear that my running mate would be a President-in-waiting, ready to take over at any time,” Atiku said.
“To put it another way,” he remarked, “the person must possess the traits necessary to serve as President. In other words,” he said, “the person must have the qualities to be President.” The person must comprehend the deep rot into which our country has been plunged by the rudderless APC government; the great suffering that the majority of our people are experiencing and the urgency of alleviating that suffering; and the critical importance of economic growth and development in providing jobs, hope, and a path to wealth for our youth.
The choice of Okowa was difficult, according to the former Vice President, because “all committed party-men competent for this responsibility” were considered for the position.
“I’ve been given a difficult decision to make.” As someone who wishes to lead a complex country like ours, though, I’d have to make difficult and important decisions on a daily basis”.
Meanwhile, Ifeanyi Okowa, the vice presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party, has promised to work with Atiku Abubakar, the party’s presidential candidate, to save Nigeria.
He went on to say that he will work with Atiku and other Nigerian stakeholders to “rescue Nigeria from the brink of disaster.”
Okowa, who is also the governor of Delta State, made the statement on Thursday, shortly after being nominated as the main opposition party’s presidential candidate’s running mate.
Okowa wrote on Facebook,
“I thank God for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” Okowa posted on Facebook. “I congratulate His Excellency, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, our flagbearer, and other party leaders on this magnificent honor.”
“I commit to working with His Excellency, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, our party’s leaders, and stakeholders, as well as all patriotic Nigerians, to rescue our country from tragedy.”
