By Bukola Olasanmi
The Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, has confirmed reports that the Governor of Rivers State Nyesom Wike, and his group are favourably disposed to the resolution of the lingering issues bedeviling the party.
Paul Ibe, Media Adviser to Atiku, said this in a statement on Thursday, quoting his principal as expressing commitment to a negotiation that will resolve the crisis of confidence and pave the way for a much stronger and united PDP.
“Atiku Abubakar also expresses his commitment to a negotiation that will resolve the crisis of confidence and pave the way for a much stronger and united PDP,” the statement added.
“The former Vice President of Nigeria notes that never at any time of the differences that have ensued have the doors been shut to Governor Wike and his group.
“He enjoins every leader of the party and their supporters, irrespective of their leanings, to be open-minded and support the process of resolution of the extant issues.”
Wike, a former minister, lost the PDP presidential primary to Atiku but claims the exercise was not free and fair. In the wake of the loss, he demanded the resignation of the party’s National Chairman, Iyorchia Ayu, insisting that he (Ayu) and Atiku are from the same region.
The G-5 governors comprising Nyesom Wike, Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State, Samuel Ortom of Benue State and Seyi Makinde of Oyo State have pulled out of the party’s presidential campaign. Efforts so far to reconcile them have failed.