2023 Presidency: Confusion, Intrigues in PDP Over Atiku’s Running Mate, 24 Hours to INEC Submission Deadline
- The opposition Peoples Democratic Party is yet to decide on who becomes Atiku Abubakar's running mate
- Meanwhile, Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers state has been picked by groups and major stakeholders in the party to run on a joint ticket with the former VP in the 2023 presidential election
- Interestingly, the National Advisory Committee of the party set up to look into the report of an earlier committee has also recommended the Rivers governor to the leadership of the PDP
Anxiety in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) over the choice of running mate to presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar has heightened, 24 hours before the submission deadline, The Nation reports.
On Wednesday, June 15, the decision by the party to raise a team led by Chief Tom Ikimi to screen Rivers state Governor Nyesom Wike created more confusion.
On Tuesday, June 14, the National Advisory Council (NAC) recommended Wike for the slot.
Source: Facebook
Observers were wondering why they need to screen Wike again, having been screened by the David Mark-led presidential screening panel.
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Meanwhile, the Rivers state governor came second in the PDP presidential primary.
Those eyeing the VP slot
Those eyeing the slot before the NAC decision to nominate Wike are former Senate President Anyim Pius Anyim, Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa and Enugu State Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi.
Other members of the Ikimi panel expected to screen Wike today, according to PDP spokesman, Debo Ologunagba, are: Dr Akilu Indabawa, Capt. Idris Wada, Chief Osita Chidoka, Binta Bello, Chief Mutiat Adedoja, Austin Opara, Prof. Aisha Madawaki, Mrs Ayotunde George-Ologun, Chief Chidiebelu Mofus and Fidelis Tapgun.
Ologunagba said:
“Pursuant to Part VI, Paragraph 14 of the Electoral Guidelines of our great party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the National Working Committee (NWC) has approved the nomination of the following party members to serve on the Vice Presidential Candidate Screening Committee for the screening/verifying of the nominated Vice Presidential Candidate of our party for the 2023 general elections.”
INEC's submission deadline
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) warned political parties that the candidate nomination portal for the 2023 general election would automatically shut down at 6:00 pm tomorrow for national elections and 6:00 pm on July 15 for state elections.
The commission also said the names of presidential and governorship candidates must be accompanied by the names of their running mates (i.e. Vice Presidential and deputy governorship candidates) without which the nomination would be invalid.
It could not be confirmed last night whether the PDP will forward its presidential running mate’s name by the deadline tomorrow, or will put a name that will be substituted during the substitution window next month.
PDP NWC reportedly approves prominent south-south governor as Atiku's running mate, Southeast reacts
The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has reportedly approved the nomination of Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers state as the vice-presidential candidate of the party for the 2023 elections.
It was reported that the NWC's approval followed the recommendations of the National Advisory Committee.
The newspaper stated that various sources confirmed that the NWC members after studying the report of the committee unanimously endorsed Governor Wike.
Father Mbaka reveals prominent presidential candidate who will not win in 2023, gives reason
Fr. Ejike Mbaka, the Spiritual Director of the Adoration Ministry, Enugu, has said Peter Obi cannot be Nigeria’s president, describing the Labour Party presidential candidate as a stingy man.
Mbaka spoke during a prayer service on Wednesday, June 15, at the church in Enugu, which was attended by thousands of worshippers.
The controversial cleric said Obi was a man without a generous spirit, adding that “a gum-holder would not be accepted a Nigerian leader”.
Source: Legit.ng
