A PDP source has revealed why Atiku Abubakar cannot replace Peter obi as his running mate
- The source said Obi's replacement is not an option for Atiku
- According to the source, Atiku wanted someone he can give important responsibilities to and he found that in Obi
The appointment of a former governor of Anambra state, Peter Obi, as the running mate to an ex-vice president Atiku Abubakar has been met with various reactions from different quarters.
While many approve of the decision made by Atiku, some politicians addressed as southeast leaders have condemned the action stating that they were not consulted before the said appointment.
However, sources within the PDP have said replacing Obi for another candidate is not an option for Atiku at the moment.
According to Sahara Reporters, the PDP presidential candidate will not replace Obi despite opposition from some party leaders in the southeast.Sources said the complaint made by the southeast leaders have been taken note of by Atiku even though replacing Obi with anyone else is "not an option for him”.
“The fact remains that Peter Obi remains the best option for now… the best who is in sync with Atiku ideologically and business-wise,” the source said.
“He is young, smart, cool-headed as well. Atiku wants a VP whom he can give important responsibilities to; not someone going around to give lectures and seminars, and sharing N20,000 at market squares. Those were some of the things Atiku was looking for, and he has seen them in Peter Obi.”
“On the political side, it will be hard for him - because the opposition might use that against him, saying he is not firm and cannot stand by his decisions. We were talking about cabals running the Muhammadu Buhari administration; how will that be different from some individuals in the country dictating who should be picked as running mate?
“South West only had two options: Akinwunmi Adesina and Gbenga Daniel. But while campaigning, Atiku had even promised that them in the South-East that one of them would become his running mate. If he doesn’t keep to that promise, it would be difficult for those people to trust him for the election.
He made a promise; he has fulfilled that promise. It is not now for some individuals to now think they should be able to tell him who exactly should be picked, " the source added.
Atiku also said that one of APC's greatest challenge is the health condition of President Muhammadu Buhari.
The former vice president who was quoted in an interview published in a new book by Isa Odidi: ‘Atiku Abubakar: The Best Choice for President of Nigeria in 2019’ said the APC led administration have failed to manage its electoral successes.