Atiku reveals Obasanjo’s role in choosing Peter Obi as running mate

DDM News

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has revealed details of his consultation with ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo about selecting his 2019 running mate.

In a report published by Diaspora digital media (DDM) on March 26, 2025, Atiku explained how Obasanjo influenced his decision.

Atiku contested the 2019 presidential election under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) after securing the party’s ticket in Port Harcourt.

After winning the primaries, he traveled to Abeokuta to seek Obasanjo’s advice on selecting a running mate.

Obasanjo, who served two terms as president from the South-west, advised Atiku to choose a candidate from the South-east.

He suggested several notable figures, including Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Charles Soludo, and Peter Obi.

Atiku considered Okonjo-Iweala but noted that she was not a PDP member, making her selection difficult.

Similarly, Soludo was not affiliated with the PDP at the time, reducing his chances of being considered.

Obasanjo then asked about Peter Obi, and Atiku confirmed that Obi was already a PDP member.

This confirmation made Obi a viable option for the vice-presidential slot.

After speaking with Obasanjo, Atiku returned to Abuja to consult with key PDP leaders.

He met with then-PDP chairman Uche Secondus and governors such as Nyesom Wike and Aminu Tambuwal.

Atiku informed them about his conversation with Obasanjo and sought their input on selecting Obi as his running mate.

The party leaders did not oppose Obi’s candidacy but expressed concerns about inadequate consultation before the decision.

They believed that more discussions should have taken place within the party before finalizing such an important choice.

Atiku acknowledged their concerns but proceeded with Obi’s selection as his running mate.

This experience made Atiku reconsider the decision-making process for choosing a vice-presidential candidate.

By 2023, Atiku changed his approach to ensure broader party involvement in selecting a running mate.

He allowed the PDP to establish a committee to shortlist three candidates for the vice-presidential position.

This change aimed to ensure transparency and prevent internal disagreements within the party.

Atiku’s revelations highlight the complexities of selecting a running mate in Nigerian politics.

They also show Obasanjo’s significant influence in shaping major political decisions.

His role in the 2019 election process demonstrated his continued relevance in PDP affairs.

The disclosure also sheds light on the internal dynamics of the PDP during Atiku’s candidacy.

It reveals how political parties navigate sensitive decisions involving key positions.

Atiku’s decision to involve the party more in 2023 likely responded to past criticisms.

The selection of a running mate remains a strategic and sometimes controversial aspect of political campaigns.

Atiku’s experience emphasizes the importance of party consensus in making such critical decisions.

His reflections may serve as lessons for future presidential aspirants on handling internal party politics.

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