The governor of Rivers State, Mr. Nyesom Wike yesterday convened a crucial meeting of his close political associates, including four serving Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governors who coordinated his presidential campaign.
The meeting was held behind closed doors at the Rivers State Governor’s Lodge in Abuja.
Although the agenda of the meeting was not made known, it might revolve around the events that have unfolded in the aftermath of the PDP presidential primary that threatens to split the main opposition party.
Those at the meeting include governors Seyi Makinde (Oyo State), Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia State), Samuel Ortom (Benue State) and Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu State).
Also present are some former governors such as Donald Duke of Cross River State, Gabriel Suswam of Benue State, Olusegun Mimiko of Ondo State, Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State, Ibrahim Idris of Kogi State, and Jonah Jang of Plateau State.
A member of the PDP board of trustees and north central coordinator of the Wike Presidential Campaign, Prof. Jerry Gana, who spoke briefly after the meeting said: “This is the first meeting we are holding with all our candidates in the states after the primaries.
We are united. We are one. We know that developments will unfold, and when they do, we shall brief Nigerians.”
Recall that in May, the former vice president, Mr. Atiku Abubakar polled 371 votes to emerge as the party’s flag bearer ahead of Wike who scored 237 votes to come second in the party’s presidential primary.
Former senate president, Dr Bukola Saraki got 70 votes; governor of Akwa Ibom State, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, 38; Bauchi State governor, Mr. Bala Mohammed, 38; former senate president, Mr. Pius Anyim, 14; Mrs. Tari Diana Oliver, one; and Mr. Sam Ohuabunwa, ones.
Weeks after the primary was held, the PDP presidential candidate named the governor of Delta State, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa as his running mate for the 2023 election.
That decision led to a disagreement among party stakeholders as some commended the choice of Okowa while others rejected it, saying Atiku should have picked Wike who was the runner-up in the primary.
To address the grievances of the party faithful, the board of trustees set up a reconciliatory committee to meet with Wike to resolve the crisis caused by the outcome of the presidential primary.
With Channels TV report
