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Tag: Alhaji Atiku Abubakar

PDP Dismisses Reports of Wike as Atiku’s running Mate

The main opposition party, Peoples Democratic Party, PDP has dismissed speculations that its Selection Committee has settled for Rivers State governor, Nyesom Wike as the party’s vice-presidential candidate.

Recall that Daybreak had reported that the PDP Selection Committee, had yesterday, met to fulfill its mandate of recommending a running mate for the party’s presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar.

Speaking on the development in Abuja, Wednesday, the National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, said reports in the media that the PDP has picked Wike could only be in the realm of rumour.

He said the National Working Committee is currently looking into the matter and consulting, in order to consider the best vice presidential candidate for the party in the 2023 elections.

“We have a process as a party, because we are organic. We follow through the processes. We recognize the importance of participatory democracy, ensuring that every stakeholder and organ of the party is involved in our decision-making process,”

“This is the beginning of the process, consideration and advisory body need to get to the level where, in consultation with the presidential candidate, they will deliberate on who is most suitable. That process is ongoing, so any report of a particular candidate at this point is probably premature,” he said.

June 15, 2022
2023: PDP Committee To Screen Atiku’s Running Mate On Thursday

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has set up a committee to screen its vice-presidential candidate for the 2023 general elections.

Members of the Vice Presidential Candidate Screening Committee were nominated by the PDP National Working Committee (NWC), said the party’s spokesman, Debo Ologunagba.

Ologunagba, who disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday, explained that the NWC constituted the committee in line with the electoral guidelines of the main opposition party.

He added that the screening exercise would hold by 10 am on Thursday inside the NWC Hall at the PDP national secretariat in Abuja, the nation’s capital.

“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,” he said.

The committee which is chaired by former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Tom Ikimi, has Dr Akilu Indabawa and Sunday Omobo as secretary and administrative secretary respectively.

Its members include former governor of Kogi State, Idris Wada, former Minister of Aviation, Osita Chidoka, and Austin Opara.

Others are Professor Aisha Madawaki, Ayotunde George-Ologun, Chidiebelu Mofus, Fidelis Tapgun, Binta Bello, and Mutiat Adedoja.

A southerner is expected to emerge as the running mate of the party’s presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, as the party positions itself to reclaim power at the centre following its defeat to the All Progressives Congress in 2015.

Atiku, who beat his co-contestants to win the PDP ticket, will be contesting for the highest office in the land for the sixth time having lost to President Muhammadu Buhari of the ruling APC in the 2019 polls.

The 75-year-old polled 371 votes to emerge as the party’s flagbearer ahead of Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State who scored 237 votes to come second in the contest.

Former Senate President Bukola Saraki (70); Akwa Ibom State Governor Udom Emmanuel (38), Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed (38), Former Senate President Pius Anyim (14), Mrs Tari Diana Oliver (One), and Mr Sam Ohuabunwa (1) shared the remainder of the valid votes.

June 15, 2022
PDP Will Announce Atiku’s running mate within 48 hours — Ayu

The National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Senator Iyiochia Ayu, has expressed confidence that the party and its presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, will, within the next 48 hours, present a running mate Nigerians will relate well with and vote into office.

Ayu gave this assurance in his opening remarks at a meeting with members of the consultative committee set up to assist Atiku choose a running mate.

He explained that the meeting was in furtherance of consultations aimed at arriving at a choice which Nigerians would be glad to elect into office.

“He apologised and if he comes early, he will join us. But we will go ahead with the assignment he has given us.

“The candidate wrote to us, as the administrative arm of the party, on the choice of his running mate.

“Various organs of the party are well represented in his committee —NWC, Governors Forum, National Assembly, former governors which have put forward their candidate

“This deliberation will be chaired by my able Deputy, Ambassador Umaru Damagum

“I wish you a successful deliberation and I hope you come up with a conclusion between tomorrow and Friday.

“Our presidential candidate, this time, has decided to carry everybody along unlike 2019 when he didn’t consult widely in his choice of running mate.”

The meeting, which is ongoing, has the Chairman of the PDP Governors Forum, Aminu Tambuwal; Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed; Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom; former Senate President, David Mark; former Ondo State Governor, Olusegun Mimiko; former Cross River State Governor, Liyel Imoke, and Senator Philip Aduda among others, in attendance.

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has given parties till Friday to submit names of their presidential candidates and their running mates.

June 14, 2022
Politics Should Be For Humanity And Not Selfish Interest – Atiku

By Muhammad Ibrahim, Sokoto

Politicians across the country have been challenged to borrow a leaf from Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal towards strengthening democracy.

PDP House of Assembly candidate for Yabo constituency Alhaji Atiku Sarkin Samari made the call while speaking on the commemoration of this year’s Democracy Day.

He said they can do this by playing politics according to its rules for the development of the country adding that Nigeria has progressed through executing meaningful projects such as provision of sound education, boosting economy, agriculture,health and human development among others.

He said Tambuwal’s patriotic decision has drawn his attention to his presidential aspiration in favour of the former Vice-president Atiku Abubakar saying it was a clear indication that politics should be for humanity and not selfish interest.

June 14, 2022
2023 Presidency: Atiku speaks on Picking Running Mate

The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar has promised to carry the party’s stakeholders along in deciding his running mate.

Atiku said the PDP has a lot of tested and reliable party men who can serve as his running mate.

The former Vice President vowed to pick somebody who is formidable as his running mate.

In a statement on Sunday titled, ‘Let Us Activate the Atikulator Drive’, the PDP presidential candidate said: “Throughout the week, I have been busy in meetings with different layers of stakeholders in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

“The objective behind these meetings, among other things, is to strengthen the unity in our party and to make sure that everyone is carried along in the critical decisions that we shall be making on the campaign in the coming days.

“Of course, all eyes are on us about the choice that we shall take in picking a running mate for the ticket. It is perhaps the most critical decision that any serious candidate should take seriously.

“And, of course, the PDP has a reservoir of reliable hands that fit the bill. The task ahead of us requires that we run with all of our energies in order to make the right kind of impact in this campaign.

“The leadership of our great party, the Peoples Democratic Party, and I continue to work to present to you a formidable running mate for our ticket.”

June 13, 2022
APC Presidential Primary: Atiku Congratulates Tinubu on Victory

The presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Atiku Abubakar, has congratulated the Bola Tinubu on his victory at the presidential primary of the All Progressives Congress.

Abubakar emerged as the candidate of the opposition party at the PDP special convention in May, after defeating Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, and former Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki, among others.

The former vice president took to his social media pages to congratulate the former governor of Lagos State, stating that the APC presidential primary was a hard-fought contest.

“Congratulations, @officialABAT, on your emergence as your party’s presidential candidate. It has been a hard-fought contest, but that you prevailed confirms your tenacity,” he wrote.

June 8, 2022
Tambuwal Clinch Senatorial Ticket, Mobilizes For For Atiku’s Return To Power

By Muhammad Ibrahim, Sokoto

Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal was on Saturday evening pronounced as the Senatorial candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) for Sokoto South Senatorial District.

The release by his media aide, Bello Muhammad[contact-form][contact-field label=”Name” type=”name” required=”true” /][contact-field label=”Email” type=”email” required=”true” /][contact-field label=”Website” type=”url” /][contact-field label=”Message” type=”textarea” /][/contact-form] further said by this affirmation, Gov. Tambuwal is now seeking to represent seven local government areas in the red chamber come 2023.

The local government areas are: Bodinga, Dange/Shuni, Kebbe, Shagari, Tambuwal, Tureta and Yabo local government areas.

At the attended event, which was held in Bodinga town, Gov. Tambuwal, who consigned the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to the critical care unit of an hospital, said the PDP and its presidential candidate are poised to reclaim their pride of place as the ruling party and president of the country respectively after the general elections next year.

“I urge you, men and women, youths and the elderly to continue praying. When the time comes and the campaign commences, we must go into nooks and crannies of our villages to campaign for our candidates and the PDP; for its return to the center and its continuation here in the governance of Sokoto state.

“APC is already in ICU (Intensive Care Unit); and we know what is happening now, between today (Saturday) and tomorrow (Sunday), they have gone back to try to trace the drawing board…which they are yet to see. They are still looking for the drawing board because they are so confused as to what to do at the national convention on Monday and Tuesday.

“Either way it goes, by the grace of God, our presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar (Wazirin Adamawa), will emerge victorious as the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he stated.

The Governor expressed gratitude to God and the political stakeholders: electoral teams from Abuja and the ones in Sokoto state; as well as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) monitoring team, for their participation in the primary election, which simplified the process, thus making it a success.

“By the grace of Allah (SWT), we shall not disappoint you when you give us the mandate. We shall continue to build on the good work we have done.in the past and what we are doing now,” he assured.

June 5, 2022
Atiku Considers 3 PDP Stalwarts as Running Mate

The race for the running mate to Atiku Abubakar, Nigeria’s opposition candidate for the 2023 presidential election, is on.

The former Vice President emerged as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) flagbearer last weekend in Abuja, the nation’s capital.

Atiku, from Adamawa, was declared the winner after polling 371 votes to defeat closest rival, Governor Nyesom Wike.

The Rivers helmsman got 237 votes; ex-Senate President Bukola Saraki, 70; Akwa Ibom Governor Udom Emmanuel, 38.

Bauchi Governor, Bala Mohammed scored 20 votes, while former Senate President, Anyim Pius Anyim secured 14.

Less than 48 hours after the primary, Atiku visited other contestants for peace-building and reconciliation.

The Wazirin Adamawa, accompanied by close associates, sought their support to defeat the All Progressives Congress (APC) next February.

Sources told revealed that the former VP might have pruned his shortlist to three – Governors Emmanuel, Ifeanyi Okowa (Delta), and ex-Imo Governor Emeka Ihedioha.

Both in second term, Emmanuel and Okowa are considered to have performed above average and would certainly get the support of their colleagues.

Not only that, they have a calm demeanor and are in charge of oil-rich states. This means they can go into the election with a massive war chest, a major plus in Nigerian politics.

However, the position may tilt towards Ihedioha, a former House of Representatives Deputy Speaker (DS), due to a number of factors.

First: Atiku may consider the South-East again. Second: No one from the region has been President or Vice since 1999. Third: Obi’s votes would split with an Igbo man as PDP VP hopeful. Fourth: Ihedioha is regarded as a politician with a clean record. Fifth: His time as a lawmaker and DS will enable him to liaise with the National Assembly.

But the sixth reason is perhaps why many pundits believe he may emerge. Ihedioha is Governor Aminu Tambuwal’s right hand man.

Their relationship dates back decades but blossomed between 2011 and 2015 when Tambuwal and Ihedioha were House Speaker and Deputy.

Reports gathered that Tambuwal had already shortlisted his friend as first choice running mate.

Tambuwal’s withdrawal at the primary helped Atiku clinch PDP’s 2023 ticket and it is unlikely that the flagbearer will deny him the slot if he insists.

In fact, who becomes the vice presidential candidate was reportedly part of the Atiku-Tambuwal decisive last minute pact at the convention ground.

“Ihedioha is very qualified to occupy any position in the land. He has built capacity, loyalty and competence around himself.

“He has also shown that he is a worthy friend. But for now, most of the things you hear are speculations. The right decisions will be taken at the right time”, a PDP chieftain said.

June 3, 2022
Taraba PDP Stewart Amb. Musa John Pledge support for Atiku

Danzumi Ishaku, Jalingo.

Former Nigeria Ambassador of Trinidad and Tobago, Ambassador Musa John has restated his support and that of Taraba state as a whole for the presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP in the 2023 general elections, Atiku Abubakar.

He said he and the entire state Taraba is supporting Atiku Abubakar for President as a result of his achievement and not because he is a Northerner.

Ambassador Musa John who was speaking with newsman in Jalingo on Friday, articulated Atiku’s achievements in a recent article, titled, “The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde,” published in online Newspaper.

The former Ambassador to Trinidad and Tobago noted that Atiku led the Economic Management Team that paid off Nigeria’s debt, adding that he also privatised the telecom and cement industries, which, according to him, exploded Nigeria’s GDP and created jobs.

The Ambassador also stated that Atiku brought technocrats into government and chaired the National Economic Council that brought GSM into Nigeria, which stabilised the Naira.

He said “Atiku pushed for the creation of the EFCC, and gave that corruption fighting body their first grant, from his budget, because they were created in between budgets.

“He led the Obasanjo administration’s efforts to restore peace, law and order during the Sharia crisis of 2000. In his private life, Atiku co-founded one of the largest oil and gas, and ports services firms in Africa in the 80s.

“Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, through that company, and other companies in his Priam group of companies, personally employs more people than many state governments.”

Ambassador Musa John said, “He is also the proprietor of the American University of Nigeria, Yola, which is one of the best private universities in Africa, as well as the first American-style university in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Through that institution, he has given full scholarship to over a hundred students, including some of the #ChibokGirls,” Ambassador Musa John said.

Ambassador Musa John, a member of the PDP, in Taraba state said Nigeria is too unstable to be further destabilised by unstable persons.

June 3, 2022
JUST IN: Atiku Defeat Wike, Others to Win PDP Presidential Ticket

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has been elected as the Peoples Democratic Party’s flagbearer for the 2023 presidential election.

It will be the 75-year-old’s sixth attempt for the nation’s top job.

He was also the PDP’s candidate in the last election in 2019, which he lost to President Muhammadu Buhari.

To win the PDP’s 2023 ticket, Atiku had to beat the likes of Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike, Akwa Ibom Governor, Udom Emmanuel and former Senate President, Bukola Saraki.

Before voting commenced on Friday at the primary election in Abuja, Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal stepped down for Atiku, a move that strengthened the Adamawa politician’s bid for the ticket.

Mr Atiku scored 371 votes. His closest challenger, Wike, polled 237 votes. Saraki pulled 70 votes.

Emmanuel (38), Mohammed (38), Anyim Pius Anyim (14), Mrs Tari Diana Oliver (1) and Sam Ohuabunwa (1) shared the remainder of the valid votes.

In his victory speech, Atiku commended the electoral process employed in the primary.

“Today we are making another history,” he said. “A history which we believe will bring about fundamental changes and also in our political processes.”

He reiterated that his campaign will be built on five fundamentals, including a pledge to unify the country.

“I pledge to unify this country,” he said. “That’s why I refer to myself as a unifier.

“The reason why I feel that unity is important is because APC has disunited Nigerians completely.

“I will work to restore unity and bring a sense of belonging to all Nigerians.”

Mr Atiku vowed to decisively deal with the country’s security challenges and confront its economic problems.

May 29, 2022