The presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Atiku Abubakar, has met with the Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike in London as part of reconciliation moves ahead 2023 elections.
Mr Atiku, accompanied by Adamawa State Governor Umaru Fintiri, reportedly pleaded with Wike to support him in the 2023 presidential election.
Mr Wike came second in the presidential primaries that produced Mr Atiku as opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)’s flag bearer in Abuja on May 28 and May 29, 2022.
The duo parted ways when Mr Atiku picked Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa as running mate, instead of Mr Wike who was reportedly recommended by some members of the PDP’s National Working Committee (NWC).
Wike’s close associate said the former Vice-President had agreed to meet all the demands of Wike, according to The Punch on Thursday.
“He (Atiku) has agreed to meet all demands. He will sign an undertaking on all the agreements. Once he is able to meet them, the Wike group is ready to work with him. The details will be made known,” the source said.
Atiku met with Wike shortly after the former President Olusegun Obasanjo had met with the Rivers governor seeking support for the Labour Party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi.
During the two meetings, Wike was accompanied by his associates that include Governors Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Samuel Ortom (Benue), Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia), and former Cross River State Governor Donald Duke, among others.
Earlier on Thursday, in a statement by his spokesperson Paul Ibe, Atiku had cautioned his supporters, particularly party stalwarts to desist from making inciting statements that could affect the ongoing internal reconciliation process.
The statement said. “This appeal becomes necessary in order to call the attention of party leaders and members to the diversionary antics of the ruling All Progressives Congress which, in manufacturing a false impression of division within the PDP, aims to hoodwink the Nigerian public to overlook the monumental failures of the ruling party.
“All the leaders of the party, including especially the governor of Rivers State, His Excellency Nyesom Wike and all governors of the PDP are united in working for the victory of the PDP in next year’s general election across board.”
