Atiku Speaks on Picking Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala as Running Mate

The presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, has denied media reports that he is planning to pick the Director-General of the World Trade Organization, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, as his running mate.

There were reports over the weekend that Atiku met with some members of the international community in Zurich, Switzerland as part of moves to pick Okonjo-Iweala as his Vice President.

Apart from the former Minister of Finance, other names said to be considered for the vice-presidential slot are Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State; Governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom State; a former Govermor of Imo State, Emeka Ihedioha and former Governor of Delta State, Emmanuel Uduaghan.

Speaking with The Punch, Atiku’s spokesman, Paul Ibe debunked the reports that the former vice president met with some members of the international community in Switzerland regarding Okonjo-Iweala.

Ibe stated that Atiku has stepped up his consultations with stakeholders and party leaders to search for a candidate that will be acceptable to Nigerians and compliment him.

In his words, “There is nothing like that; he has stepped up his consultations to search for a candidate that will be acceptable and complement him.”

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Atiku Speaks on Picking Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala as Running Mate