‘PDP needs to return to power’, Okowa accepts Atiku’s VP nomination

Governor Ifeanyi Okowa has thanked Atiku Abubakar for picking him as his running mate, noting that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) needs to return to power.

The Delta State leader said this on Thursday while accepting his nomination to be Atiku’s running mate in next year’s presidential poll.

“While thanking you, sir, I do understand that there is a great work that is ahead of us but I know that God has designed this to be and that by the special grace of God, we would all work hard to ensure victory for the party,” Senator Okowa said in his acceptance speech.

Okowa called on the members of the party to work collectively.

“There is no doubt that there is a great work ahead of each and every one of us. The build-back process is going to be collective and we are trusting that all our party members will want to be part of that story at the end of the day,” he said.

Senator Okowa, who made the comment hours after Atiku picked him as running mate, will finish his second term as the Delta State governor next year.

Atiku had earlier explained that he chose the former lawmaker after consultations with leaders of the party. He said a committee was set up to help him with the choice of a running mate (from three persons shortlisted persons) but he picked the Delta State leader.

He, however, admitted that it was a difficult decision. According to him, while all three names submitted were qualified, he had to settle for just one: Okowa.

The former vice president said he looked out for someone who had experience, understands, and can proffer solutions to the challenges facing the country.