The primary elections of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, are over, and attention has shifted to who will become the running mate of 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 the former governor of Delta State, Ifeanyi Okowa, as his running mate in the 2023 polls.
Few weeks ago, Atiku emerged as the flag bearer of the ADC after securing the highest number of votes in the party’s primary election.
He is said to be contemplating a move to 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.
Amidst those speculations, the Director of Politics at Arise News, Sumner Sambo had said Okonjo-Iweala distanced herself from such a move saying she was not willing to abandon her current post as WTO DG for a Nigerian political contest.
As the DG of WTO, Okonjo-Iweala is the first woman and the first African to lead the world trade organization on March 1, 2021.
She took up her second term as director-general in September 2023 and her tenure runs until 2029.
But Sambo said she had passed her position directly to Atiku’s camp.
“Okonjo-Iweala is not willing to actually leave a lucrative job as DG of the World Trade Organisation to actually consider that,” Sambo said.
“She has made it clear to them and that is understandable because she has just returned in September last year and she has got tenure that will go for a second term until 2029.”
Emeka Ihedioha
One of the names that featured prominently is the immediate past governor of Imo State and a former Speaker of the House of Representatives.
The former Vice President is said to be quietly assessing the likely running mates and Ihedioha, also a member of the ADC, is believed to be among them.
Amaechi’s South South link
While there are speculations that Atiku is eyeing the Southeast, there are also claims that he has extended his searchlight to the South South region.
Atiku is reportedly considering former Minister of Transportation and two-term governor of Rivers State, Rotimi Amaechi, a fellow presidential aspirant.
The presidential candidate of the ADC met with Amaechi behind closed doors on Monday, but details of the meeting were never made public.
But some believe it has everything to do with the choice of Atiku’s running mate.
APC chieftain, Eli: Southeast running mate won’t get Atiku votes
Sogbeye Eli, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, APC, has said that picking a running mate from the Southeast will not fetch Atiku many votes in 2027 because of the influence of Obi in the region.
“Atiku cannot afford to get votes from a vice-presidential candidate from both the South-East and South-West,” he said in an interview.
Dele Momodu presents himself as Atiku’s running mate
In the political uncertainty, a chieftain of the ADC and former presidential candidate, Dele Momodu had posted a flyer on his social media page in which he was portrayed as Atiku’s running mate.
Momodu wrote on the flyer: “The Attraction of Atiku Abubakar/Dele Momodu ticket”, “The right choice for a greater Nigeria.”
Aide says spare tyre will not determine Atiku’s choice of running mate
Reacting to the speculations, Atiku’s Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, said the ADC presidential candidate would choose his running mate based on competence and not on the usual basis of “spare tyre”.
Shaibu said, “It is far too early to speculate on the Vice Presidential slot for particular areas or individuals.
“That decision is going to be taken, eventually, on the basis of what is in the interest of the country and what will add to the strength of the mission to rescue Nigeria.
“What I can tell you is that Alhaji Atiku Abubakar knows the great task of leadership. He recognizes that Nigeria today needs a competent, experienced, and capable team.
“I do not therefore expect the choice of a running mate to be based on symbolism or the outdated notion of a ‘spare tyre.’ Nigeria needs a team to govern and not a single administrator.
“The Vice President must be someone who can make a meaningful contribution to governance, policy formulation, economic management, national cohesion and the overall task of rebuilding the country.
“When the time comes, Nigerians will see a decision based on merit, capacity, and national interest.”
Lawyer says Atiku’s strongest option for picking running mate is from the Southeast
Adding his voice to the debate, a lawyer, Maduabuchi Idam, said if Atiku desires national cohesion and political balance, selecting his running mate from the Southeast is his “strongest option”.
Idam said Atiku may present a formidable challenge to Obi’s presidential aspiration if he picks a running mate from the Southeast.
“If equity, national cohesion, and political balance in the event of victory are the objectives, then Atiku’s strongest choice may be to pick a running mate from the South-East.
“The South-East would require meaningful representation in his administration to engender a sense of inclusion and national belonging.
“Any northern presidential ticket without a South-East representation is likely to be greeted with criticism and apathy by a large chunk of the South-East electorate.
“Further, if Atiku is serious about challenging the influence of Peter Obi in the region, then choosing a running mate from the South-East could be a strategic necessity.
“Without such a move, it may be difficult to secure the constitutionally required spread of votes, including a substantial share from the region in the 2027 electio
