The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, decided to hold his reconciliation meeting with Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State in London, UK, in an effort to prevent interruption or distraction from other politicians.
According to Anaedoonline.ng, Atiku and Wike, along with a few governors, have been at odds ever before Atiku was announced as the PDP’s presidential candidate in May 2022.
When Ifeanyi Okowa, the governor of Delta State, was announced as Atiku’s running mate on June 16, the crisis grew worse. All attempts to reach a consensus have failed.
Along with the governors of the states of Abia, Benue, Adamawa, and Oyo, Atiku met with Wike on Thursday in London. There were other PDP participants there, including Donald Duke.
2023: After Obasanjo, Atiku Meets Wike, Others In London
To avoid the numerous discussions and media smear campaigns already connected to the meetings, the parties concerned chose London.
An ally of Atiku who was familiar with the meeting’s outcome told Saturday Sun that Atiku was successful in convincing Wike and other disgruntled governors to postpone their efforts to have PDP National Chairman Iyorchia Ayu removed until elections are held next year. He claimed that Atiku’s argument was predicated on the threats it would present to the PDP’s electoral victory in the upcoming year.
He claimed that Wike and his associates sought several crucial jobs for his camp when Atiku forms his cabinet if he wins next year’s presidential election, but they weren’t totally committed to the demand.
The top PDP member said that Wike expressed misgivings about the attitude of Atiku’s supporters, who have been accused of fuelling the crisis.
2023: Wike Finally Backs Atiku Abubakar After Losing PDP Presidential Ticket
“Wike mentioned their names and asked Atiku the roles the people have played since they left office in supporting the PDP,” the source said.
“Wike and other governors were clear on that. They told Atiku that the South was supposed to get the ticket. They told him that now that he has got the ticket, the South must get key positions in the National Assembly.
“The North can’t have the position of the President, President of the Senate, Speaker of the House of Representatives, and Secretary to the Government of the Federation. APC did that in 2015. PDP must not repeat that mistake. That was part of what Wike told Atiku,” the source added.
The PDP member said: “APC has been fuelling this crisis. They were happy when the crisis was festering. They didn’t want it to end. They must be licking their wounds now.
“Many thought Atiku wasn’t ready to make peace with Wike. That has been settled now. The crisis is not over yet, but the PDP has made serious progress.
2023 Presidency: Atiku Travels To London, May Meet Wike
“Unknown to many people, both Atiku and Wike’s camps settled for a neutral ground to hold this meeting. It was brokered by Adamawa State Governor, Fintiri, who is a close friend to both Wike and Atiku.
“That was how they arrived at London being the best venue. There were too many talks in Nigeria already, and they didn’t want that. When they return, more meetings will be held. One thing is now sure, and that’s the fact that no PDP governor or members will defect. PDP will go into this election as a united family.
“The next phase of the reconciliation will shock many Nigerians. Peter Obi is still a close ally of Atiku. There will be surprises in the coming weeks if on-going talks pan out well.
“I also suspect that the party may hold its National Executive Committee meeting before the campaigns will start in September. For now, we just have to wait and see.”
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