PDP Governors working for Tinubu, with Atiku Campaign in disarray
By Jeph Ajobaju, Chief Copy Editor
Bola Tinubu is burrowing into the heart of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), yanking away the support of some of its Governors disenchanted with Atiku Abubakar, its presidential candidate who insists on Northern domination of Nigeria.
All the top positions in the PDP are occupied by Northerners. Senior members of the party, including some sitting or former Governors, Ministers, federal lawmakers, and founding members, demand Iyorcha Ayu step down.
They want the PDP National Chairman to resign for a Southerner to man that post to try balance the power structure in the party. Ayu says he will not resign, and Atiku backs him.
Vanguard reports that Tinubu, the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), is benefiting from the rift as some PDP Governors and leaders are said to have pledged to work for him in the 2023 election.
“Of course, it is true,” a source familiar with the workings of the APC told the newspaper.
“From the way the PDP is handling its crisis, you should know that not all the PDP Governors will support Atiku. It is clear and glaring.”
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Atiku in denial
A member of Team Atiku, who spoke on condition of anonymity, dismissed the report, saying: “That is not true; there is no truth in that at all.”
Patriots Roundtable back Tinubu
What Atiku cannot deny, however, is that the Patriots Roundtable has pitched its tent with the Tinubu’s Muslim-Muslim ticket with Kashim Shettima.
Patriots National Coordinator Uthman Shodipe-Dosunmu told Vanguard the group will engage without bias, debate without malice, and tussle in the intellectual fray of ideas and idealism with purposeful patriotic largeness.
His words: “They [Tinubu and Shettima] are known for equity and fairness. They will promote unity among our diverse union members without favouritism to any tribe or region.
“We will henceforth advocate with vigorous assertion as an Independent Support Group for Tinubu-Shettima dream ticket, ultimately believing that this dynamic duo is borne out of an inherent undying idealism that will heal the broken places, rectify the ancient wrongs, mend the wounds of old, and God’s willing, pull our nation out of the present variegated challenges.
“There will be nay-sayers and malignant agents of envy and recidivism. There will be provocateurs of ruin pretending salvaging emblems.
“This is the Patriots Roundtable leitmotif.
“Amid the holler and conflicting ideals about the Nigerian journey as our nation pivots toward the 2023 general elections, we have joined the fray to enlighten and guide, contribute and support, and strengthen and enhance the national democratic space.
“We are ready. We are proven, steadfast, focused, and firm, unyielding in this patriotic grapple.”
