Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, and his allies on Monday boycotted the Peoples Democratic Party’s official flag-off of its presidential campaign in Uyo, Akwa-Ibom state.
Wike’s allies, including Abia State Governor, Okezie Ikpeazu, Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom and Enugu State Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, all boycotted the event.
They had insisted on the resignation of PDP National Chairman, Iyorchia Ayu, arguing that it is unethical for the PDP to have a northern PDP presidential candidate and National Chairman as it does not reflect the national character of the party.
Wike had previously alleged that Ayu promised to resign after the PDP presidential primaries if a northerner emerged as candidate.
Ayu however has vowed to stay on as National Chairman and Atiku’s spokespersons have hinted that the presidential candidate has no intention – or power- to force Ayu’s removal.
Those present at the Campaign flag off include the party’s presidential candidate and ex-Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, his running mate, and Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, and Akwa Ibom State Governor, Udom Emmanuel.
Others in attendance were Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, his Adamawa counterpart, Ahmadu Fintiri, and the former lawmaker representing Kogi West, Dino Melaye among others, Channels TV reports.
The PDP campaign is coming barely four months to the presidential election in 2023.
Both Atiku, Okowa, Ayu, and Emmanuel took turns to address the crowd in Uyo, pledging to rescue the country should the PDP be elected into office next year.
