Wike, Ortom and three other governors, including Makinde, Ikpeazu, Ugwuanyi, absent at the PDP presidential kick-off in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, indicating more crisis in the party.
By Emma Ogbuehi
Barely four months to the 2023 general elections, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has flagged off its presidential campaign in Akwa Ibom State, with five governors under its platform, missing from the event.
The event is taking place at the Nest of Champions Stadium in Uyo, the state capital. The five state governors included Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State, Samuel Ortom of Benue State, Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State, Seyi Makinde of Oyo State and Ifeanyi Ugwunayi of Enugu State.
Present at the campaign launch included PDP Presidential Candidate, Atiku Abubakar; his running mate, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, and PDP National Chairman, Dr. Iyorchia Ayu, Governors Udom Emmanuel (Akwa Ibom), Douye Diri (Bayelsa), Bala Mohammed (Bauchi), Ishiaku Darius and the National Working Committee (NWC) members.
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Other dignitaries present were ex-Vice President Namadi Sambo, former Senate Presidents: David Mark, Bukola Saraki and Anyim Pius Anyim and former PDP chairmen: Chief Okwesilieze Nwodo, Alh. Adamu Muazu and Prince Uche Secondus. The chairman, Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF), Governor Aminu Tambuwal (Sokoto) and other dignitaries were reportedly present.
Ahead of the event, Atiku arrived Uyo yesterday and was received by the state governor, Udom Emmanuel. Wike and his group, however stayed away in confirmation of the deep-seated crisis in the party.
Recall that the five state governors recently pulled out of the party’s presidential campaign team after the party failed to meet their demand for the removal or resignation of the National Chairman, Iyorchia Ayu. Their grouse is that Ayu and Atiku, both from the north, should not hold the two important positions of national chairman and presidential candidate, respectively, at the same time.
They particularly accuse Ayu of playing ignoble roles that favoured Atiku during the PDP national convention of May 28. Several efforts have been made, including meetings within and outside the country to have the governors and their supporters have change of hearts, without success.
It is estimated that the crack in the party, may work against it in the elections if not effectively managed.
