Indications have emerged that former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar is now seriously shopping for a possible running mate ahead of the December 10, 2014 presidential primary of the All Progressives Congress, APC.
From Abuja, it was gathered on Friday that Atiku, who is one of five contenders for the party’s presidential ticket, has started consultations with regards to a running mate for the 2015 presidential election.
A document to this effect, which was seen by Sunday Punch indicated that three factors likely to influence his choice are political balance, religious balance, and competence.
As regards political balance, the presidential aspirant is said to be considering the need to balance the political interests of the North/South. On this basis, members of his team are rooting for 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.
In as much as this could appease the party’s governors, there are fears the political calculations could alter this arrangement.
Okorocha, for instance is feared to have limited political value hence picking him could cost the aspirant South-West votes.
Conversely, 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.
In the case of Governor Rotimi Amaechi, it is argued that he can only deliver a limited number of South-South votes, while Governor Adams Oshiomhole, is also believed to control few votes, which some argue will be limited to his native Edo State.
According to a source, who would not want his identity revealed, 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 explained further that the former Vice-President might look in the direction of either Fashola or Mr. Wale Edun.
Supporters believe that Fashola’s acclaimed competence and performance as governor stands him stand tall but will depend on Tinubu’s approval.
Mr. Wale Edun is another Tinubu close associate being considered. His choice could fit into the religious equation and he is also considered competent, smart and intelligent.
With several commentators arguing that Nigerians will not back a ticket dominated by same religion ticket in a time like this, Atiku may look in the direction of three persons namely Professor Yemi Osibajo, Dr. Kayode Fayemi and Senator Olorunnimbe Mamora.
Professor Osibajo 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.
Notwithsanding his loss of the Ekiti governorship election, a former Ekiti State governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, is equally being considered by the Atiku camp.
For Senator Olurunminbe Mamora, the calculation is that if he is picked, former and serving Senators nationwide will be fully mobilised to work for such a ticket.
Meanwhile, the coordinator of the Atiku Media Office, Shehu Garba, has denied knowledge of the existence of such a document, saying, “The aforesaid document is unknown to us but what we can confirm is that the Turaki (Atiku) will pick a man or woman as running-mate as agreed by the leadership of the party when he gets to that bridge”.
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