With the African Democratic Congress, ADC, primary elections now over, attention has shifted to who becomes the running mate to the party’s presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar.
Atiku had picked the current Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi as his running mate in 2019 and former governor of Delta State, Ifeanyi Okowa as his running mate in the 2023 polls.
A few weeks ago, Atiku emerged as the flag bearer of the ADC after polling the highest number of votes in the party’s primary election.
DAILY POST reports that he is said to be thinking towards the South-East, with names like the Director General of the World Trade Organization, WTO, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Emeka Ihedioha being mentioned.
Amid these speculations, the Director of Politics at Arise News, Sumner Sambo had said Okonjo-Iweala distanced herself from such a move, stressing that she was unwilling to abandon her current post as WTO DG for a Nigerian political contest.
Okonjo-Iweala assumed the position of the DG of WTO on March 1, 2021, becoming both the first woman and the first African to lead the world trade organization.
She assumed her second term as director-general in September 2023 and her tenure runs until 2029.
However, Sambo said she had communicated her position directly to Atiku’s camp.
Sambo said: “Okonjo-Iweala is not willing to actually leave a lucrative job as DG of the World Trade Organisation to actually consider that.
“She’s made it known to them, and that is understandable because she just resumed in September last year, and she has a tenure that will run for a second term till 2029.”
Emeka Ihedioha
One of the names featuring prominently is the former governor of Imo State and ex-Speaker of the House of Representatives.
Ihedioha, who is also a member of the ADC, is believed to be among those the former Vice President is quietly evaluating as his potential running mate.
South South link with Amaechi
While speculations are rife that Atiku is looking at the Southeast, there are also claims that he has extended his searchlight towards the South South region.
Atiku is said to be considering a fellow presidential aspirant and former Minister of Transportation who served as a two-term governor of Rivers State, Rotimi Amaechi.
The ADC presidential candidate met with Amaechi behind closed doors on Monday, but details of the meeting were never made public.
However, some believe it has everything to do with the choice of Atiku’s running mate.
Southeast running mate won’t get Atiku votes – APC chieftain, Eli
A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Sogbeye Eli, has said shopping for a running mate from the Southeast won’t get Atiku many votes in 2027 due to the influence of Obi in the region.
“Atiku has no room for votes from a vice-presidential candidate from both the South-East and South-West,” he said in an interview.
Dele Momodu portrays self as Atiku’s running mate
Amid the political uncertainty, a chieftain of the ADC and former presidential candidate, Dele Momodu had posted a flyer on his social media page wherein he was portrayed as Atiku’s running mate.
Alongside the flyer, Momodu wrote: “The Attraction of Atiku Abubakar/Dele Momodu ticket”, “The right choice for a greater Nigeria.”
Spare tyre won’t be basis of Atiku picking running mate – Aide
Reacting to the speculations, Atiku’s Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, said the ADC presidential candidate would pick his running mate based on competence and not on the usual basis of “spare tyre.”
Speaking with DAILY POST, Shaibu said: “On the question of the Vice Presidential slot, it is far too early to speculate on specific regions or individuals.
“That decision will ultimately be guided by what best serves the national interest and strengthens the mission of rescuing Nigeria.
“What I can say with confidence is that Alhaji Atiku Abubakar understands the enormous responsibilities of leadership. He appreciates that the challenges facing Nigeria today require a competent, experienced, and capable team.
“Therefore, I do not expect the choice of a running mate to be based on symbolism or the outdated notion of a “spare tyre.” Nigeria needs a governing team, not a sole administrator.
“The Vice President must be someone who can contribute meaningfully to governance, policy formulation, economic management, national cohesion, and the overall task of rebuilding the country.
“When the time comes, Nigerians can expect a decision driven by competence, capacity, and the national interest.”
Picking running mate from Southeast Atiku’s strongest option – Lawyer
Contributing to the discussion, a lawyer, Maduabuchi Idam, pointed out that if Atiku wants national cohesion and political balance, picking his running mate from the Southeast is his “strongest option.”
Idam said Atiku can pose a great challenge to Obi’s presidential ambition if he picks a running mate from the Southeast.
“Atiku’s strongest option may be to choose a running mate from the South-East if the objectives are equity, national cohesion, and political balance in the event of victory.
“The South-East would need meaningful representation in his administration to foster a greater sense of inclusion and national belonging.
“A northern presidential ticket without South-East representation is likely to attract criticism and apathy from a significant segment of the South-East electorate.
“Furthermore, if Atiku intends to pose a serious challenge to the influence of Peter Obi in the region, selecting a running mate from the South-East could be a strategic necessity.
“Without such a move, securing the constitutionally required spread of votes, including a substantial share from the region, may prove difficult in the 2027 electio