Fayose may be on his way to APC or remain in the PDP and play spoiler against Atiku. Whatever choice he makes, Atiku has a lot of work to do
Within 24 hours, two chieftains of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have indicated that they may not support the party’s presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar.
Earlier, Governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom, said he would await God’s directive whether he should support Atiku or not.
While that debate was ongoing, former Governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose, categorically said the South “must” produce Nigeria’s next president. Atiku is from the North.
In a tweet, Fayose said: “The current President of Nigeria is a 2-term Northern Presidency, thus implying that it MUST be a Southern Presidency in 2023 or NOTHING. Awa’ South’ lo kan’. Nigerians should await details soon,” he tweeted.
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The tweet is coming shortly after the Governor-Elect of Ekiti State, Biodun Oyebanji paid Fayose a courtesy visit.
Recall that Oyebanji, the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, won the Ekiti election with a landslide. The Social Democratic Party (SDP) candidate came second in the poll, while the PDP finished third.
The visit by Oyebanji to Fayose has already started fueling speculation that Fayode may be on his way to APC or remain in the PDP and play spoiler against Atiku, while in the background rally support for the APC presidential candidate, Bola Tinubu.
Recall that during elections, political parties hold mega rallies to rouse support for their candidates. But in the Ekiti election, the PDP did not hold such, and it’s presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, did not visit the state.
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TheNiche has also reported that Ortom, signalled that Atiku may not enjoy his support ahead of the 2023 presidential election, unless God decides otherwise.
Ortom made the revelation today, June 29, during the Arise TV breakfast programme, The Morning Show.
Ortom had during the PDP presidential primary supported Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike for the presidential ticket of the party. Wike finished second, and was thought to be more fitted to become Atiku’s running mate given his showing during the presidential primary. But Atiku picked Okowa over Wike.
Ortom said he was disappointed that Atiku did not choose Wike as his running mate even after 14 out of the 17 committee members Atiku appointed to help him decide a running mate preferred Wike.
He said Atiku has also not reached out to Wike personally and other critical stakeholders, including himself to solicit for their support after the fallout in the choice of Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa as his running mate.
When told that Atiku has made an effort to reach Wike on phone but that Wike wasn’t picking, Ortom fumed and said it was disrespectful to be making phone calls without going to see Wike personally.
When specifically asked if as a party man he would support Atiku in the coming election, he said: “I am praying. But for now, I have gone into hibernation. If God directs me that I should support him, why should I not. But I expect him (Atiku) to reach out to Wike first and the rest of us. For me, I have gone into hibernation and am waiting for God. Whatever he directs me to do, I will do.”
