TheCable

South-east leaders and governors say they were “never consulted” over the selection of Peter Obi as running mate to Atiku Abubakar, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate.

Leaders of the region met on Saturday over the development, after saying they were sidelined from the decision-making prior to when Obi was picked.

David Umahi, Ebonyi governor, addressed journalists after the meeting.

He said leaders of the region will not oppose anybody chosen from the south-east for the position but noted that they “were not aware”.

The governor said the leaders have resolved to meet with Atiku when he returns from a “short” trip.

He said: “We just finished our meeting and we want to use the opportunity to congratulate our presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, for his very well deserved victory (at) our very transparent and fair primaries that we just finished in Port Harcourt, Rivers state.

“It is our prayer that God will sustain him and lead him and take him to that destination that PDP gave him our ticket.

“We have met because of what we saw in the social media over the issue of vice-presidential candidate.

“In as much as we will never be against anybody chosen from south-east to be the presidential running mate to our PDP candidate but we are shocked and surprised that social media starts carrying such insinuation that the leaders of south-east are not aware that our candidate has chosen a candidate.

“If anything is the truth in the social media assertion, the leaders of south-east were never consulted neither are we aware.

“However, his excellency Atiku Abubakar has sent a message to the leaders of south-east that he’s out of the country today on a short visit and as soon as he comes back, he will be coming down to the south-east to meet with the south-east leaders for a very deep and cordial discussion and relationship.