After being inspected and passed by a Screening Committee on Thursday, Atiku formally announced Okowa as his running mate at the party’s National Secretariat.
Okowa had earlier arrived at the PDP National Headquarters, Wadata Plaza in Abuja to attend the vice-presidential screening exercise scheduled by the National Working Committee (NWC).
At the unveiling event, Atiku stated that he picked Okowa because he had the traits of a President and understands the profound rot that the country has fallen into.
The PDP Presidential candidate went on to say that he selected Okowa because he is dedicated, trustworthy, and reliable and that he would fully support him in leading the country to greater heights.
Atiku further expressed optimism that Okowa will assist him and the PDP in regaining power in the 2023 presidential election and evicting the APC from Aso Rock.
Atiku went on to say that the Delta governor is not hesitant to express his views or provide candid advice and that he is pleased to have chosen Okowa after considerable deliberation.
He said: “It is a difficult decision that I am called to take. But, as someone hoping to lead a complex country such as ours, tough and difficult decisions would remain a part of my everyday life.
“Let me, therefore, start this momentous journey with a crucial decision about who, among the eminently qualified shortlist, would be my Running Mate.
“Accordingly, let me state that the person I have chosen as my Running Mate possesses all those identified qualities. He personifies not only the seriousness the current moment represents for our country but also the future that our young people yearn for and deserve.
“He is a serving State Governor who has demonstrated, in his State and through his conduct, that governance is about service to the people.
I know that he will not only add excitement to our already energized ticket and campaign but will also help to bring focus, discipline, and stability to our government, come 2023.
“I am pleased, therefore, to announce here my choice of Running Mate who will help to lead us to victory next year not only in the Presidential election but also in the governorship and legislative elections. And he will be by my side as I work hard every day to provide our people with security, revive our economy, improve education and unite our country.
“He has both Legislative and Executive experience. Please join me in welcoming to the ticket the next Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency Governor Dr. Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa.
“You know him to be a fighter; you know him to care about winning; you know him to care about good governance, and you know him to care about our people. Now, my dear friends, let’s do the disciplined hard work necessary to win this election. Let’s go.”
