June 16, (THEWILL) – Delta State governor, Sen. Ifeanyi Okowa, has emerged the Vice-Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the 2023 presidential elections.
Okowa was unveiled as the party’s vice-presidential candidate on Thursday in Abuja by Atiku Abubakar, the Presidential Candidate of the PDP in the 2023 general elections.
Atiku made the announcement at a meeting attended by PDP executives at the party’s headquarters in Abuja.
Speaking at the announcement event, Atiku said making a choice between the three names had been a difficult decision.
Atiku said he reached his decision after wide consultations with party stalwarts, adding that it was a difficult decision for him for to make, considering the qualities of those that were recommended
He also noted that some of the qualities he looked out for included; someone who understood the enormity of the challenges facing the country and one who has demonstrated, from experience, that he can proffer some solutions.
He said he looked out for one who has the qualities of a president, who can stand in for him when he’s not around.
Ayu had hinted that three names including Okowa, Rivers State governor, Nyesom Wike and his counterpart in Akwa Ibom State, Emmanuel Udom, were submitted to Atiku to choose from, adding that the final decision of a running mate rests solely with Atiku.
However, Atiku said, while all the three names submitted were qualified, he had to settle for just one: Okowa.
National chairman of the PDP, Iyorchia Ayu, had said the party will announce Atiku’s running mate within 48 hours.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has fixed June 17 as the deadline for political parties to submit their list of candidates — for president, vice-president, senate and house of representatives — ahead of the 2023 general election.
However, the PDP in a statement issued on Tuesday night, by its National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, said a 12-man committee has been constituted to screen the party’s Vice-presidential candidate.
The screening exercise held at the National Secretariat of the party in Abuja, was chaired by Chief Tom Ikimi.
Members of the Vice-presidential Screening Committee Panel, include: High Chief Tom Ikimi – Chairman, .H.E. Capt. Idris I. Wada (rtd) – Member, Chief Osita Chidoka – Member, Rt. Hon. Binta Bello – Member, Chief Mrs. Alh. Mutiat Adedoja – Member, Rt. Hon. Austin Opara – Member and Prof. Aisha Madawaki – Member
Others are: Mrs Ayotunde George-Ologun – Member, Chief Mrs. Chidiebelu Mofus – Member, H.E. Fidelis Tapgun – Member, Dr Akilu Indabawa- Secretary and Mr Sunday Omobo – Administrative Secretary
