PDP crisis:  Reconciliation moves collapse between Wike and Atiku

The breakdown of the reconciliation moves was sealed with the appointment of Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal as the Director General of the PDP Presidential Campaign Council.

The peace talks between the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP’s) presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar and Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike have finally broken down, multiple party sources said yesterday.

It is also clear that only Oyo State chapter of the PDP remains committed to the agitation for the resignation of Dr. Iyorchia Ayu as national chairman of the party following categorical statements by party officials in Lagos, Ekiti, Ogun, Ondo and Oyo states that they are for Atiku and Ayu.

Although Atiku picked Wike and some of the governor’s allies as members of the presidential campaign council, the Wike camp yesterday decided to draw the battle line by opting not to play any key role in the party’s campaign.

The parties are allowed, under the regulations issued by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), to commence their campaigns on Wednesday, September 28.

It was learnt that Wike’s camp has started weighing its options on its next line of action.

As a first step, it is seeking to stop Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde from accepting to be part of the Atiku campaign to enable him face his reelection bid.

One source told The Nation that on his part, Atiku is yet to give up on winning over Wike.

The PDP flag bearer, it was gathered, sent ex-Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose to Wike and his team recently to “forgive and forget” whatever might have caused their feud.

Fayose was reportedly rebuffed by some loyalists and strategists of Wike.

The alleged penetration of Fayose was seen by Atiku’s group as a breakthrough to break Wike’s camp.

A Northern governor, who has been with Wike all along, is now believed to have perfected plans to shift to Atiku’s group soon.

Investigation by our correspondent revealed that Wike, who visited Abuja on Friday, had a session with some of his backers.

It was agreed that Atiku was yet to meet the minimum conditions for reconciliation with Wike.

(Nation)