Some circumstances, which had been discussed below may make the Presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, to consider his closest rival in the race for the PDP presidential ticket, and the incumbent Governor of Rivers state, Nyesom Wike, as his running mate in the coming election.
1. Wike is from the South-South, and Southeastern part of the country. The Southeast, and the South-South have good numbers of electorates that can increase PDP’s chances in 2023. The Southeast alone, had about 4,046,381 valid votes in 2019. Most of the votes went to the PDP. (According To BBC Nigeria, On The 26th Of June, 2022, “Nigeria Presidential Elections Results 2019.”) The PDP may have plans to give the People of the region a sense of belonging in the coming election, in order to retain them.
Besides, the Presidential Candidate of the All Progressive Congress (APC), Asiwaju Ahmed Bola Tinubu, is from the Southwestern region. He may lead in most of the Southwestern states, especially Lagos, and Ogun states. Another thing that the PDP may consider is that Tinubu may pick his running mate from the Northwest. (According To The Punch, On The 12th Of June, 2022, “As it is now, it is very likely for Tinubu to pick his running mate from North-West.”) But the Northwest has jumbo votes during elections.
Atiku may decide to pick Wike, as his running mate to clinch the Southeast, and the South-South in 2023.
2. Wike had threatened to withdraw his support in 2023. Wike called all ward chairmen of the PDP during the week to inform them about his decision. Some sources had noted that Wike vowed to withdraw his support, unless the PDP names him Atiku’s vice presidential candidate. Wike said he would meet with Atiku, and would inform the stakeholders in Rivers about the next line of action. (According To The Whistler, On The 12th Of June, 2022, “The Rivers Governor, who is currently in Abuja with the intention to seal the deal with Atiku, told the PDP ward chairmen that his further directive to them would be determined by the outcome of his meeting with Atiku.”)
But the PDP can not afford to lose Wike in the coming election. He is a powerful ally, and the Governor of Rivers state. This may make Atiku to consider him for the vice presidential slot.