Atiku Abubakar The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, has denied media reports that he is planning to pick Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala the Director-General of the World Trade Organisation, as his running mate.

Several reports emerged over the weekend claiming that Atiku met with some members of the international community in Zurich, Switzerland as part of moves to pick Okonjo-Iweala as his Vice President.

Apart from the former Minister of Finance, other names said to be considered for the vice-presidential slot are Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State; Governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom State; a former Governor of Imo State, Emeka Ihedioha and former Governor of Delta State, Emmanuel Uduaghan.

In a chat with The Punch, Atiku’s spokesman, Paul Ibe refuted the reports that the former vice president met with some members of the international community in Switzerland regarding Okonjo-Iweala.

Ibe stated that Atiku has stepped up his consultations with stakeholders and party leaders to search for a candidate that will be acceptable to Nigerians and compliment him.

He said: “There is nothing like that; he has stepped up his consultations to search for a candidate that will be acceptable and complement him.”