Governor Wike Speaks On Atiku PDP Amid Defection Rumors

 

Governor Wike Speaks On Atiku PDP Amid Defection Rumors

Regarding his alleged strained relationship with Atiku Abubakar, Governor Wike has broken his silence after a lengthy period of silence. Wike stated on Saturday, July 23, that he would soon make a decision about the PDP's presidential candidate and the PDP. The Rivers governor's statement comes amid widespread rumors that he is considering leaving the party.

Governor Nyesom Wike of the state of Rivers has finally confirmed rumors that he is seriously considering leaving the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). There have been rumors that Wike and Atiku Abubakar, the PDP's presidential candidate for 2023, are at odds over the vice presidential position awarded to Governor Ifeanyi Okowa.

While Wike has not yet made a public remark regarding the current state of his relationship with Atiku, the governor of Rivers has stated that he will shortly do so.

During an interview with the media on Saturday, July 23, Wike stated that he would also discuss recent PDP events.

Wike's media aide cited him as saying, "On Atiku, I will soon speak, and Nigerians will know the genuine truth of all that has transpired in the PDP in recent times."

In the meantime, shortly after becoming the PDP's presidential candidate, Atiku established a 17-member committee to recommend potential running mates.

According to reports, the former vice president made the choice to avoid accusations that he unilaterally chose Peter Obi as his running mate for the 2019 election.

In the end, the committee nominated three southern governors: Okowa, Wike, and Udom Emmanuel (Akwa Ibom). Wike's fans and several party leaders reportedly pushed Atiku to select him as his running mate to unify the party ahead of the 2023 presidential election, citing his strong performance in the presidential primaries.

However, Atiku rejected Wike and chose Governor Okowa, whom he had purportedly promised to consider for nomination as his running mate in exchange for the votes of Delta State's primary delegates.