Bold As PDP Makes U-turn On Misrepresented Reports On Gov Wike’s Choice As Atiku’s Running Mate

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has been disowned what it termed as misrepresenting reports in some section of the media purporting that it had dismissed the reported emergence of Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike as its Vice-Presidential candidate for the 2023 general elections.

www.bigpengnr.com reports that the said misleading reports were credited to the National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Hon. Debo Ologunagba who was said to have addressed some journalists in Abuja on Wednesday, June 15, 2022.

In a statement on Wednesday night entitled “V.P Candidate: Disregard Misrepresenting Report on Gov. Wike – PDP Tells Nigerians…Clarifies Position”, the party said that for the avoidance of doubt, the National Publicity Secretary did not at any time address journalists on the said subject matter as quoted in the ‘misinforming reports’.

Giving a graphic details of what transpired, the image maker of the main opposition party, said, “To set the records straight, the National Publicity Secretary was a guest on Arise TV Morning Show on Wednesday morning where he answered questions on PDP’s preparedness for the 2023 general elections as well as June 18, 2022 Ekiti State Governorship election

“In the course of the interview, the presenters requested some clarifications on reports in the media that the PDP had concluded its processes on its Vice-Presidential Candidate.

“In response the National Publicity Secretary stated that the PDP is a party of process and that consultations and discussions were still ongoing in the selection process.

“It is therefore mischievous to claim that the PDP National Publicity Secretary made any reference to Governor Wike. Clearly, such distorting claim in a section of the media is the design of mischief makers who are bent on destabilizing our Party ahead of the 2023 general elections.

Advertisement

“If anything, our Party reiterates its confidence in Governor Nyesom Wikes’s outstanding ability and commitment to the ideals and values of the PDP. His records of achievement as a Local Government Chairman, Chief of Staff to the Rivers State Governor, Minister of State for Education, currently Governor of Rivers State and the runner-up in the PDP Presidential Primary stand him out as possessing requisite qualities, qualifications, capacity and wide acceptability for the position of the Vice-Presidential candidate of our Party.

“The various positions creditably held by Governor Nyesom Wike distinguished him as an excellent team player in public governance.

“In fact, Governor Wike’s energy, brilliance, commitment and passion were acknowledged by the National Working Committee (NWC) of our Party and he is adjudged as the foremost candidate in consideration for the position of the Vice-Presidential candidate of the PDP.

“While the PDP notes the interest of the media and the public in our Party’s choice of Vice-Presidential candidate it is imperative to state that as an organic Party, all our processes will be followed through in strict adherence to our procedures before any official announcements.

The PDP, however urged Nigerians to disregard the mischievous reports aimed at undermining our Party’s unity at this critical time.

www.bigpenngr.com gathers that the party is now set to announce it final decision on which of the contenders have been chosen as running mate to its presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar.

Advertisement

The General Aliyu Gusau’s -led committee had recommended the Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike and Akwa Ibom State Governor, Udom Emmanuel for consideration.

The party Advisory Committee had pruned down the number of contenders from three to two with Governor Wike polling the highest vote in a mock election conducted by the committee at the national secretariat of the party in Abuja.

Consequently, the PDP NWC in an earlier statement signed by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, had on Wednesday set up a panel to screen the nominees for the plum job.

The screening panel which is scheduled to meet candidates on Thursday is headed by former foreign affairs minister, Chief Tom Ikimi while former Kogi governor Captain Idris Wada and former Aviation minister Ostia Chidoka are members.

Others are Binta Bello, Mutiat Adedoja, Austin Opara, Aisha Madawaki, George Ologun, Chidiebelu Mofus, Fidelis Tapgun, and Akilu Indabawa who will serve as secretary.

Advertisement

Ologunagba said the NWC set up the panel pursuant to part V1, paragraph 14 of the Electoral Guidelines of the Party.