Ahead of the 2023 general elections, loyalists of Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers state are threatening to dump the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar. A report by The Punch indicates that Wike’s loyalists, among them some prominent lawmakers, were unhappy with the way Atiku snubbed the Rivers state governor and picked Ifeanyi Okowa, governor of Rivers, as his running mate.
Since Okowa’s nomination as Atiku’s running mate, Governor Wike has not issued any statement regarding the development.
Atiku had opted for Okowa despite the recommendation of a 17-man selection committee that nominated Wike. Since Okowa’s nomination as Atiku’s running mate, Governor Wike has not issued any statement regarding the development.
Wike’s unusual silence, coupled with his recent meetings with presidential candidates from the opposition parties, has reportedly unsettled the PDP. The crisis became obvious when the governor of Benue state, Samuel Ortom, expressed sympathy with Wike and said he was yet to decide whether to support Atiku or not. Former Ekiti governor, Ayo Fayose, followed suit with a renewed agitation for southern presidency.
A member of the House of Representatives from Rivers, Solomon Bob, said Wike deserved to be treated better. According to him, it would be an understatement to say that Wike had contributed to the PDP more than any other person.
Wike deserves more, another lawmaker says In his submission, another Rivers lawmaker, Dagomie Abiante, described Wike as an asset to the PDP, which Atiku failed to realise and utilise. Read more: https://www.legit.ng/politics/1477514-where-was-atiku-2015-prominent-lawmakers-who-are-wikes-loyalists-fume-threaten-dump-pdp/
He stated that the governor “deserved much more” than the VP slot, adding that he is better than Okowa “in every respect.”He has been a pillar to the party; he is the one speaking for the party and he speaks for the interests of the South. Okowa hosted southern governors across party lines
Meanwhile, Atiku has reacted to the statements made by Governor Ortom of Benue state and former Ekiti state Governor Fayose over his choice of running mate./
The PDP presidential candidate said the party would remain united and focused ahead of the 2023 elections, adding that “appropriate actions have been taken, are being taken, and will continue to be advanced.” “The Peoples Democratic Party will remain united. Focus on our actions. We are taking action to address the feelings of all party members. The unity in our community is my priority. Our resolve to unify Nigeria starts in our party and moves to the community, then on to society.