File photo: PDP Governors, deputy governor at the meeting
The bad blood generated by the outcome of the Presidential primary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is about to change to good vibes as the leadership of the party has intensified peace moves to bring all the actors together.
At the centre of the storm is Rivers governor, Nyesom Wike, who felt aggrieved by the outcome of the party presidential primary. He lost out as Presidential flagbearer and later as vice presidential candidate.
Wike had since the end of the nomination of vice presidential candidate by Atiku Abubakar in accordance with section 142 of the Constitution fallen apart with the party with three other PDP governors standing with him
The governors include ), Sam Ortom (Benue), Seyi Makinde (Oyo), and Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia). The trio plus the governor of Enugu (Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi) had with Wike stayed away from all PDP post-primary activities including participation in the Ekiti and Osun elections.
While some have conjectured that the aggrieved governors may quit PDP, Governor Ortom has said they have no plans to jump ship.
Wike had since he detached himself from the PDP become the most sought-after politicians with members of other parties paying visits to him
Those who have visited Wike include some All Progressives Congress (APC) governors including Kayode Fayemi (Ekiti), Rotimi Akeredolu (Ondo) and Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos). They have met with Wike in Port Harcourt in what was perceived as an attempt to woo him to their party.
However, Ortom who appear to have become the spokesman of Gov Wike said on Arise Television’s “Good Morning Show” on Thursday that all the three governors met and resolved to remain in the PDP.
Ortom said there was need for Atiku to meet and pacify Wike. He said this was the primary thing to do and there would be peace and unity once it is done.
On why he was absent at Osun election, he said: “Coming to why some of us were absent, I was not around, I travelled. This was a programme that was planned over three months ago. I had to go to the United Kingdom, I had to go to the United States of America. I actually met with Governor Wike in London and met with my brother, the Governor of Oyo state, Makinde and the Governor of Abia state. That provided an opportunity to brainstorm on what was happening back home – in our party, the PDP especially.
“One thing I want to assure you and Nigerians is that we are not going to defect to any political party, we are members of PDP. Wike in particular has been very instrumental to the growth of our party in the absence of any former president produced by our great party – President Olusegun Obasanjo was produced by this party, you are aware that President Goodluck Jonathan also has issues and he decided not to get involved with what is happening in the party.”
