Arise News director Sumner Sambo says Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala is unlikely to become Atiku Abubakar’s running mate due to her WTO role
The Director of Politics at Arise News, Sumner Sambo, has said that the Director-General of the World Trade Organisation, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, is unlikely to leave her current position to become a running mate to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar ahead of the 2027 general elections.
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Sambo made the remarks on Monday during a discussion on The Morning Show, where he addressed ongoing political speculation surrounding potential ticket combinations ahead of the next presidential race.
He stated that although Okonjo-Iweala may be considered for the role, she is currently focused on her responsibilities at the World Trade Organisation, where she is serving a second term that runs until 2029.
According to him, it would be unlikely for her to abandon a secure international appointment for a political contest in Nigeria, particularly one still surrounded by legal and political uncertainties.
“She’s not willing to actually leave a lucrative job at the WTO to consider that,” Sambo said during the programme.
He added that her current tenure and responsibilities make a political move improbable at this stage.
Sambo further argued that the stability of her international position contrasts with the unpredictability of Nigeria’s political environment ahead of the 2027 elections.
The comments have added to ongoing discussions about possible running mates and political alliances as parties begin early positioning for the presidential contest.
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Okonjo-Iweala has not publicly indicated any intention to enter the race, and continues to focus on her role at the WTO.
