Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has dismissed media rumours that he intends to appoint Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the Director-General of the World Trade Organization, as his running mate.
Several rumours surfaced over the weekend saying that Atiku met with members of the foreign community in Zurich, Switzerland, in preparation for the nomination of Okonjo-Iweala as his Vice President.
Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State, Governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom State, former Governor of Imo State, Emeka Ihedioha, and former Governor of Delta State, Emmanuel Uduaghan are among those rumoured to be considered for the vice-presidential seat.
Atiku’s spokesman, Paul Ibe, denied claims that the former vice president met with members of the foreign community in Switzerland to discuss Okonjo-Iweala in an interview with newsmen.
Atiku has increased his contacts with stakeholders and party officials, according to Ibe, in order to choose a candidate who will be acceptable to Nigerians and complement him.
He said: “There is nothing like that; he has stepped up his consultations to search for a candidate that will be acceptable and complement him.”
