The League of Patriotic Lawyers yesterday advised the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to choose Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, as his running mate in order to get South-East and South-South votes.

According to him, the defection of ex-governor Peter Obi to the Labour Party (LP) would swing South-East votes to the LP, saying Wike is needed for the PDP to get South-South votes.

President of the body, Abubakar Yesufu said this yesterday in Lagos while briefing newsmen, adding, “We are calling on former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to look well before settling for a running mate, as this choice may make or mar his bid for Aso Rock come 2023.

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“He needs to be wary of his choice of a running mate. In settling for a choice the issue of war chest or campaign funds should not matter. Capacity to enhance the ticket should be the main consideration.”

According to him, “Nyesom Wike remains Atiku’s best choice. The emergence of Peter Obi of the Labour Party would swing the South-East voters to labour. Besides, the presence of militancy makes the region unattractive for a running mate. With Wike on the ballot papers as a running mate, Atiku is sure of winning Edo, Delta, Bayelsa, Cross-River, Akwa-Ibom and even Rivers State.

“Indeed, with over three million registered voters in Rivers State and 500,000 from Obi-Akpor (Nyesom Wike’s local government) going by 2019 voter statistics. With the odds stacked against Wike in 2019, he still delivered on his mandate. Atiku needs new terrain and that terrain is under the strong grip of Nyesom Wike. That terrain is Niger Delta.

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“The slot of Vice President should not be given to the highest bidder, but to the man who has vital votes to swing victory on his side.
“Nyesom Wike is a courageous party man who stays firm and loyal to all his bosses till the end.
Whether as two terms local government chairman in Rivers State, Chief of Staff, Director-General Amaechi campaign coordinator, or a minister with the Federal Government, Wike demonstrated loyalty and fidelity.

“Atiku should try hard to bring Wike on board as a running mate for a robust ticket.
“Wike’s achievements or developmental strides in Rivers State that earned him the nickname ‘Mr Project’ are testimonies that his inclusion in that ticket would be unbeatable.”