By Adeleye Kunle
As stakeholders continue their efforts to mediate peace within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the party’s Presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has jetted off to London, where he is expected to meet Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike.
Wike, who is currently in London, led a delegation that included Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom and Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde to meet All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential candidate Bola Tinubu in London on Tuesday.
Atiku and Wike’s relationship soured in June of this year, shortly after Atiku chose Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa as his running mate.
Many PDP members expected Atiku to choose Wike as his running mate, especially given the recommendation of the Committee formed to select the party’s Vice Presidential candidate, which favored Wike for the position.
According to a source close to Atiku, Tracknews learned late Wednesday that Atiku’s camp has been dissatisfied with the party’s inability to resolve recent crises, including agitations for the removal of the party’s National Chairman, Iyorchia Ayu.
According to a source, despite their differences, Wike and Atiku remain good friends. “There is nothing wrong with the former Vice President personally intervening in the matter. After all, despite the difficulties, Atiku and Wike have remained friends.”
In response to question about whether Atiku’s camp is concerned about the delays in forming the Presidential Campaign Council, our source said, “There is no need to worry.”
“The party still has enough time,” he says. Campaigns, as you are aware, have not yet begun. “We have more than a month.” What matters is that the physical structures are in place, and the PDP is fortunate in that the former Vice President already has the necessary structures in place.”
The party had earlier held a stakeholders meeting on Wednesday, with the Gubernatorial candidates in attendance, ahead of the campaign preparations.
Speaking after the stakeholders meeting, the Party National Chairman, Iyorchia Ayu, revealed that the candidates used the opportunity to brief the party on the situation in their respective states, as well as express their concerns.
“They briefed us on their efforts in their various states to win the elections, and as you know, the elections will be won in the states, not just at the national level.”
Ayu, who expressed satisfaction with the progress made so far in various states, added, “some of the minor issues raised have been clarified, and it was an extremely useful meeting.”
“So we are pleased that the party’s members are determined that we not only win at the national level, but also in the States Assembly, National Assembly, and state governorships.”
“We want to bring back at least 25 state governors, if not more.” So the party is in great spirits.
Bala Mohammed, the governor of Bauchi State, stated that members believe in the party’s supremacy and sanctity, adding that “the mood is very good.”
“The candidates are coming together to unite the party to discuss issues of reconciliation,” he says.
Mohammed described the PDP as a “very democratic party,” adding that the candidate had discussed party issues with the National Chairman.
” He is open, and we have asked him all of the pertinent questions about how to win the elections.”
“The strategies are ours, so we don’t have to reveal them to the media right now, but we are on track.”
While speaking with journalists after the meeting, Mohammed Ashiru, Kaduna State Governorship Candidate and Chairman of the PDP Governorship Candidates’ Forum, stated that the consultative meeting with the party leaders was called to discuss the party’s future direction.
” We had extensive discussions and viewpoints on the 2023 elections, and we are now safe and sound.”
