Former vice president and People’s Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar has chosen Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta as his running mate ahead of the 2023 presidential election, Peoples Gazette can report.

Mr Okowa. governor since 2015, was chosen from the ranks of serving governors and credentialed politicians in the South-East and South-South regions.

Mr Okowa was made the ultimate nominee after a fierce contest with Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers. The choice was believed to be in the best interest of the party as it seeks a return to power next year.

Mr Abubakar’s allies said he picked Mr Okowa because he promised to run a campaign based strictly on issues critical to Nigerians, and Mr Wike might derail that approach with his combative nature.

The candidate was also keen on having a running mate to bridge the enthusiasm gap between the South-South and South-East, The Gazette learnt from insiders. Mr Wike had been selected as the preferred nominee two days ago by a panel of PDP governors and politicians.

Mr Abubakar later announced Mr Okowa as his running mate in a tweet Thursday morning.

“I am delighted to announce Governor @IAOkowa as my Vice Presidential candidate. I look forward to travelling our great country together, engaging with all Nigerians and building a shared future of peace, unity, and prosperity for all. As One We Can Get It Done,” Mr Abubakar said.

Speaking at the PDP national headquarters where Okowa was unveiled on Thursday afternoon, Mr Abubaakr said: “It is a difficult decision that I was called upon to take. But, as someone hoping to lead a complex country such as ours, tough and difficult decisions would remain a part of my everyday life.

“Let me, therefore, start this momentous journey with a crucial decision about who, among the eminently qualified shortlist, would be my running mate.

“Accordingly, let me state that the person I have chosen as my running mate possesses all those identified qualities.

“He personifies not only the seriousness the current moment represents for our country but also the future that our young people yearn for and deserve.

“He is a serving state governor who has demonstrated, in his state and through his conduct, that governance is about service to the people,

“Please join me in welcoming to the ticket the next Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency Gov. Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa.”

Mr Okowa accepted the nomination, saying he was ready for the task ahead.