Former Governor of Niger State, Babangida Aliyu has revealed why the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, chose Delta State governor Ifeanyi Okowa, instead of his Rivers counterpart, Nyesom Wike, as his running mate.
Aliyu said Wike talks too much and does not complement Atiku.
Speaking as a guest on Channels Television’s Political Paradigm, Aliyu explained that one does not choose who does not complement him or her.
According to him, Wike “insulted his way to power,” adding that people will say the latter is always airing his view.
“You do not go around choosing people that will not complement you. You choose people who will compliment your office. People that are ready to take over from you and will make you comfortable.
“Unfortunately, I don’t know if it is his power. Sometimes when you speak too much. When you insult your way to power, it does not always happen.
“I can count many people who he has insulted. People will say he is always speaking his mind. But there are times you don’t need to speak your mind,” he stated.
Speaking further, the former governor said Nigerians may not be ready to elect Peter Obi as President in 2023.
He said many members of the PDP were rooting for Obi to be the Vice President of Atiku Abubakar, however, his emergence as Labour Party presidential candidate gives him a slim chance at emerging president in 2023.
“Peter Obi is my good friend and a former member of my former Governors forum.
“A very excellent person. His candidature, in terms of the Presidency, – I think he will make some name now. But he may be able to make it only in 2027, and 2031. But 2023? Too early.
“Even though the young people might go for him, the name is not dropping everywhere else. I doubt if Nigerians are ready for him now as a presidential person.
“I would have loved him as a Vice President. Many of us were rooting for him to be Vice President to Atiku again.”
