Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike has rejected the offer of being the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) vice presidential candidate; instead, he nominated a former governor of Cross River State, Mr. Donald Duke for the position.
Wike was touted as a possible running mate to the PDP presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar but the influential governor rooted for Mr. Duke, who was governor from 1999 to 2007.
Impeccable sources told BELLNEWS that the former conceded the position because of his firm believe in Mr. Duke to better the electoral fortunes of the party, especially in the south and garnered more support from the youths.
A journalist, Agba Jalingo corroborated the report in a Facebook post.
He wrote: “Wike declines VP position to Atiku. Recommends Donald Duke.”
Also, a media aide to Senator Sandy Onor (Cross River State PDP Governorship Candidate), Modlin Odu wrote:
“Two days ago, I wrote that Cross River State will benefit greatly from an Atiku/Sandy pair for President and Governor.
“Today, HE Nyesom Wike has rejected the Deputy position and nominated HE Donald Duke of Cross River State for it. It takes a lot of courage to do this.
“I also wrote that South South will be a major determinant of who wins the Presidency should the entire North expectedly go with Atiku, South West with Tinubu and South East with Peter Obi.
To appease Wike, his nomination will be given serious consideration by the Leadership of the party knowing his strength in South South.
“As Governor, Donald Duke performed brilliantly in Cross River and as Vice President, we all know he would not fail especially now that PDP has learnt from previous mistakes and ready to serve Nigeria better.
“Imagine a Donald/Sandy mix. Fine men of cosmopolitan broad mindedness.It should be crystal clear to every well meaning C’Riverian by now that our progress is in PDP, a party making strategic political moves that are highly advantageous to the State.
“God has indeed, answered the prayers of the State.” Modlin post read.