Ahead of the December 10, 2014 presidential
primary of the All Progressives Congress, former
Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has begun the
search for a possible running mate, SUNDAY
PUNCH has learnt.
It was learnt in Abuja, on Friday that Atiku, who
is one of five contenders for the party’s sole
ticket, has started consultations with regards to
a running mate for the 2015 presidential
election.
It was also gathered that three factors are likely
to influence his choice. The factors are said to
include political balance, religious balance, and
competence.
A document to this effect was sighted in Abuja
by our correspondent.
On issue of political balance, the aspirant is
said to be considering the need to balance the
political interests of the North/South.
The South comprises of the three geo-political
zones of the South namely: South-South,
South-East and South-West.
Using this as a basis, members of his team
pushing for this argue in support of one of the
four serving APC governors: Babatunde Fashola
of Lagos (South-West); Rochas Okorocha of
Imo (South-East); Rotimi Amaechi (South-
South) and Adams Oshiomhole also of the
South-South.
Although this could appease the party’s
governors, some fear the political calculations
could alter this arrangement. For example, in
the case of Okorocha, there are fears that his
political value is limited and picking him could
cost the aspirant South-West votes. In
contrast, if the Lagos State governor,
Babatunde Fashola, is given the slot, it is
believed that critical South-West votes could be
secured. There is however the controversial
issue of Muslim-Muslim ticket which could
become an albatross.
For Governor Rotimi Amaechi, some argue that
he can only deliver a limited number of South-
South votes.
His counterpart in Edo State, Governor Adams
Oshiomhole, is also said to be in control of few
votes which some argue will be limited to his
native Edo State.
A source who asked not to be named for fear of
retribution said to navigate this potential
political landmine, “Atiku can take a Tinubu
nominee. By doing so, Atiku would be
satisfying a desire by the APC leader to play a
role at the federal level. This will without doubt
deliver the votes, especially from the South-
West.”
The source further explained that the former
Vice-President might look in the direction of
either Fashola or Mr. Wale Edun.
Supporters say Fashola’s acclaimed
competence and performance as governor
makes him stand tall but will depend on
Tinubu’s nod.
Another Tinubu close associate who is also
being considered is Mr. Wale Edun. His choice
could fit into the religious equation. He is also
considered competent, smart and intelligent.
Several commentators have argued that
Nigerians will not back a ticket dominated by
same religion ticket.
For this reason, Atiku may look in the direction
of three persons namely Professor Yemi
Osinbajo, Dr. Kayode Fayemi and Senator
Olorunnimbe Mamora.
Professor Osinbajo is leading member of
Tinubu’s inner circle. He is a serving Pastor
with the Redeemed Christian Church of God and
a close associate of Pastor Enoch Adeboye, the
General Overseer of the RCCG. Many Christians
are likely to support this choice.
A former Ekiti State governor, Dr. Kayode
Fayemi, is equally in contention, his loss of the
Ekiti governorship election notwithstanding.
Should Senator Olurunminbe Mamora be
picked, it is expected that former and serving
Senators nationwide will be fully mobilised to
work for such a ticket.
But when contacted, the coordinator of the
Atiku Media Office, Shehu Garba, denied
knowledge of the existence of such a
document.
He said, “The aforesaid document is unknown
to us but what we can confirm is that the
Turaki will pick a man or woman as running-
mate as agreed by the leadership of the party
when he gets to that bridge.”


http://www.punchng.com/news/running-mate-atiku-considers-four-govs-fayemi-others/