The battle line has been drawn in the race for who emerges the running mate of the Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar.

Those currently being favoured for the ticket are former presidential aspirant and Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike and Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State.

Naija News understands that the two South-South governors are lobbying their fellow governors to back their vice-presidential bid.

It was gathered that the Rivers State governor has firmly planted his feet in Abuja to continue his plot to realise an Atiku-Wike presidential ticket.

“The governor is not in town as we speak. It is not out of place if he is pushing to become the running mate of the PDP presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar,” a source told The PUNCH.

“But it will be unfair if he (Wike) is not picked as Atiku’s running mate going by his contributions to the party, both in terms of finance and other levels of support.”

The source noted that Wike came second in the PDP presidential primary in Abuja, adding that that shows his capability and pedigree.

Meanwhile, the Chief Press Secretary to the Delta State governor, Olisa Ifeajika, has described Okowa as eminently qualified to emerged as Atiku running mate.

He stated that all governors both in the PDP and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) will attest to Okowa’s suitability for the VP slot.

Ifeajika said, “Yes, they (governors) met yesterday and today, Thursday, in Abuja. Of course, it is no longer news that the Governor Ifeanyi Okowa is among the people being tipped as the running mate.

“Okowa is one those being considered. He is not only eminently qualified but acceptable by all. If there is an election, all governors, even those in the APC, will attest that Okowa is the best man for the position. He has worked hard for it.”

A source close to Governor Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto State has also revealed what he wants.

He told The PUNCH that the Sokoto Governor believed the party should pick somebody who could mobilise votes for the party.