Wike: Atiku vows to stick with Okowa, despite pressure

The presidential candidate of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has  maintained his  resolve to stick with Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State, despite growing pressure on him to replace his running mate.

It was  gathered in Abuja on Saturday that a number of 13 PDP  governors and loyalists are reaching out to the candidate to douse tension.

Although some are asking for an outright replacement, others are seeking for more consolatory approach, which will see Atiku reaching out to Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, in person.

However, Atiku, in a tweet on his verified twitter handle @Atiku, on Saturday said: “Getting this country back on track will require all hands on deck.

“And I am excited to go on this journey with my vice-presidential candidate, H.E Dr. Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa @AIOkowa.

“Let’s come together as ONE towards a brighter future for all and for one Nigeria.”

He subsequently attached a video of Okowa addressing Nigerians.

In the video, Okowa was heard describing himself as an incurable optimist in democracy and the promise it holds for the country.

He went on to say the task of rescuing Nigeria from its current socio-economic and security challenges must begin with the election of the right candidate as President, who will unite the country towards ending the insecurity and economic downturn “we’ve found ourselves”.

Okowa said: “For me, being on the ticket with Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, is an opportunity to play a role in resetting the trajectory of Nigeria back to the path of growth, peace and prosperity.”

He appealed to members of PDP and all Nigerians to support him and the party’s candidate to deliver on their promise of a better Nigeria.

On his part, he promised to be accessible to all those willing to undertake the journey with him.

PDP has been enmeshed in crisis  ahead of the 2023 general election with the loyalists of  Wike threatening to leave the party if their principal (Wike) defects.

Political leaders loyal to Wike, in separate interviews with  journalists  on Thursday, warned the PDP that they were ready to mobilise other supporters of the governor to dump the nation’s main opposition party.

But Atiku has allayed fears over the crisis in the party, saying he would ensure reconciliation.

Atiku said this barely 24 hours after Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom accused him of failing to honour the democratic choice in the selection of his running mate.

Ortom also noted that Atiku failed to reach out to Wike and some other aggrieved members of the party after selecting the Delta State, Dr Ifeanyi  Okowa, as the vice-presidential candidate despite the recommendation of a 17-man selection committee which nominated Wike.

But Atiku moved to douse the tension, saying efforts were being made to resolve the grievances of party members.