ADC: Okonjo-Iweala not willing to become Atiku’s running mate — Sumner Sambo

The Director of Politics at Arise News, Sumner Sambo, stated that World Trade Organization Director-General Ngozi Okonjo‑Iweala is not willing to leave her current role to become former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s running mate.

Sambo made the comment on Monday during his appearance on The Morning Show, where he discussed political speculation ahead of the 2027 general elections.

He said that although Okonjo‑Iweala could be considered for the position, she is not prepared to abandon her lucrative post at the WTO, where she is serving a second term that will end in 2029.

Sambo added that it would be unlikely for her to leave a secure international appointment for a political contest in Nigeria, especially one that is still facing legal and political uncertainties.

He stated: “From the latest I’ve heard, Ngozi Okonjo‑Iweala, though she may be considered and all of that, she’s not willing to actually leave a lucrative job as a Director-General of the World Trade Organization to consider that.”

“She’s made it known to them, and that is understandable because she just resumed in September last year, and she has a tenure that will run for a second term till 2029.”

“So what will she be doing, you know, as a vice‑presidential candidate of a party that’s still in court, facing challenges. I think she already has a secure term there, and she wouldn’t consider the offer.”