PDP Panel Okays Gov Wike As Atiku’s Running Mate

Atiku Abubakar and Nyesom Wike

According to reports, Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers state has been recommended by the National Advisory Committee, an ad-hoc panel set up by the Peoples Democratic Party PDP as the running mate of the Presidential flagbearer, Atiku Abubakar.

The Nation reports that the panel took the decision on Tuesday, June 14, after a marathon meeting.

According to the publication, Wike was picked following a voice vote. He polled 16 votes out of 20. Three other governors, Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta state, Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom and Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu state were dropped for the Rivers governor.

The panel is chaired by PDP Deputy National Chairman (North), Ambassador Umar Damagum. Other members include PDP National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, National Organising Secretary, Umar Bature, Governors Samuel Ortom (Benue), Aminu Tambuwal (Sokoto) and Bala Mohammed (Bauchi).Also on the panel are former governors Sule Lamido (Jigawa), Ahmed Makarfi (Kaduna), Liyel Imoke (Cross River) and Babangida Aliyu (Niger).

Senator Philip Aduda (FCT), Reps Minority Leader Ndudi Elumelu and former Senate President David Mark are also members of the panel.