“I Am Satisfied With Okowa” – Atiku Abubakar

By Adesina Soyooye

In a subtle response to those who wonder why Atiku  Abubakar, the Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, chose the Governor of Delta State above others as his running mate, Atiku has a ready answer.

The former Vice President said in  newsletter that he is not only satisfied with Okowa, but that he shared the same sentiments and aspiration for the country with Okowa.

Atiku had on Thursday, unveiled Okowa at the Wadata National Headquarters of the PDP as his running mate. He chose Okowa from a list of three serving Governors short-listed for him. The two others were Governors Nyesom Wike and Udom Emmanuel of Rivers and Akwa Ibom States, respectively.

Atiku exuded optimism that his joint ticket with Okowa would ensure victory for the Party.

Writing in the newsletter titled: Okowa Is An Asset To You And I, Atiku  extolled Okowa’s qualities.

He said in Okowa, he found all the qualities he desired in a running mate. “Both of us share the same personality.”, Atiku said

Atiku: “The first most important decision that any candidate for an executive position in a democracy must make is the choice of a running mate.

“The office of the President, in particular, requires that the holder of that office must have clarity of the mind on decision-making. That is why in countries that have acquired more experiences in democratic acculturation, the choice that  Presidential candidates make about their running mates, and how they make the decision, provide a window of assessing their preparedness for the job that potentially waits ahead of them.

“In meeting up with this expectation, and more importantly to ensure that I make a pick of a running mate that you shall be proud of, it became necessary for me to be introspective about my choice.

“The Governor of Delta State, His Excellency Dr Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa and I share a lot of personality attributes in common.

“He is a fine gentleman, but tenacious. His experience as a Senator will come in handy in some of the legislative reforms that are urgently needed to reformat our governmental processes.

“Ifeanyi and I are incurable optimists in the future of Nigeria and the promises it holds as one united, peaceful and prosperous country. Having him on the ticket brings a lot of assets to our campaign.

“In the months ahead to the general election, together with other great leaders of our party, the Peoples Democratic Party and, with your esteemed support, we shall work very hard to ensure convincing victory for our party.”

The Presidential election will hold in February, 2023.