PDP G-5 govs’ Still On Tinubu, Obi’s adoption

77

 

More facts have emerged on why the five aggrieved governors on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party have yet to agree on the presidential candidate they will support having fallen out with the candidate of their party, Atiku Abubakar.

 

Saturday PUNCH learnt that the governors, Nyesom Wike of Rivers State, who is the leader of the team; Samuel Ortom of Benue State, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State, Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State and Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, could not agree on a particular candidate during their visit to the United Kingdom during the week.

 

There have been indications that the G-5 and its expanded Integrity Group, comprising some former governors and party bigwigs, might support one of Atiku; the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, and that of the Labour Party, Mr Peter Obi.

 

However, with about 55 days to the presidential election, which is scheduled for February 25, many Nigerians have anticipated that the London meeting by the G-5 governors would eventually produce their preferred candidate. But indications emerged that they were unable to take a unanimous position on who to support in the election.

 

Sources close to the meeting told one of our correspondents that due to their respective ambitions and interests, the aggrieved governors had yet to agree on who to support.

 

While Makinde is seeking re-election as governor on the PDP platform, Ortom, Ugwuanyi and Ikpeazu, who will finish their second term on May 29, 2023, are all contesting senatorial seats in their respective districts. Even though Wike, the most outspoken among them, is not contesting any position in the forthcoming elections, the PDP governorship candidate is his preferred choice and the governor has been campaigning for him.

 

Sources close to the group said after their reported meeting with Tinubu in London, the governors decided not to openly campaign for the presidential candidate of the party or any other candidate so as not to jeopardise their chances in the election.

 

One of the sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to speak on the issue, said the governors were sharply divided over the candidates.

 

The source said, “Many people know that former President Olusegun Obasanjo sold the candidacy of Peter Obi to them. He wants the governors to back the former Anambra State governor. Some initially embraced the former President’s suggestion out of respect for him.

 

“However, it was clear that Obi might not win the election, so the reality of this dawned on the governors and they discussed it, but they did not take a position.

 

“You also know that the presidential candidate of the APC sent emissaries to the governors before he personally met them. He had negotiated with them, especially Wike. But the other governors are afraid that such a negotiation could work against them in their states.

 

“The APC and its presidential candidate are not very popular in the South-East. In fact, the people of the zone are angry with some comments said to have been made by the vice-presidential candidate of the APC (Kashim Shettima) sometime ago. This was why the people walked out on him in Imo State when members of the party went there for consultation.”

 

It was learnt that knowing the zone was mainly controlled by the PDP, governors from the region might find it difficult to campaign for the APC without working against themselves.

 

Another source told one of our correspondents, “The South-East generally is for the PDP, though the Labour Party through Obi is making inroads into the place. Given the fear of the people and their personal ambitions, they are likely going to back Atiku and the PDP.

 

“Also, there is no governor who will not want to have a successor. They will not want to confuse their supporters with conflicting directives and therefore commit political suicide.”

 

The source added that the positions of Ortom and Makinde were almost similar.

 

The source explained, “For example, in Benue, the governor has never hidden his anger against the APC. Remember the party refused to give him a second term ticket, but the PDP accommodated him. He had fought with almost all the power brokers in the opposition.

 

“His preferred candidate is also not popular unlike the APC candidate. If he confuses the voters, he and his candidate will lose in the election.

 

“Makinde has many enemies within the PDP. The likes of Bisi Olopoeyan and Mulikat Akande-Adeola and their supporters are still angry with the way the governor treated them during the last primaries and others. Yet, his enemies are increasing.

 

“Don’t forget, the APC governorship candidate in Oyo State, Senator Teslim Folarin, and that of the Accord Party, Bayo Adelabu, are waiting for Makinde to make a mistake so that they can take advantage of it. They are even talking about forming a coalition against Makinde, so it’s clear that the governors have to survive first.”

 

However, it was gathered that one of the governors from the South-East (name withheld) visited Atiku a few days ago and assured him of his loyalty.

 

A source privy to the visit said, “The governor went to Abuja. He told the former VP that he would work for him and the PDP, saying he was following Wike because of their friendship and what he had benefited from him. He also said he would never work for any other candidate or political party apart from the PDP and Atiku.”

Wike denies endorsement

 

Meanwhile, Wike has denied reports that the G-5 governors have endorsed any presidential candidate. He spoke at the Eneka Road roundabout during the inauguration of the Eneka-Igbo Etche Road project, shortly after arriving from the UK on Friday.

 

He also denied having any interview with the BBC as alleged by some reports, noting that the PDP presidential campaign council claimed to have moved on but was always querying the moves made by the group.

 

He stated, “I travelled overseas on the 26th (of December) having worked so hard. Some people say we have moved on, yet you tell Nigerians you are not bothered by the G-5. They said I had a conversation with the BBC, where is the picture or the video?

 

“The truth is you don’t need to speculate; when I want to do something, I do it. There is no trouble, what we have is an introduction to trouble.

 

“Leave me alone, leave Seyi Makinde alone, leave Ikpeazu alone, leave Ifeanyi alone. My dear people, I just want to tell you that whatever decision I will take I will let you know, and I cannot take any decision without taking any advice from you.

 

“I am not the one who will go and see somebody and I will hide, hide from who? Who is that person that will threaten me? You say you will sack me, go ahead. I am not worried; you that is sacking you are worried; me that will be sacked am I worried? Try it and see how you will survive it.”

 

He said he stood by his word when he said he would remain a party man and support whoever emerged from the presidential primary, but that Atiku should also fulfil his promise that he would make sure the same zone did not produce the candidate and the national chairman of the party.

Obasanjo, Atiku tenure

 

The governor also alleged that Atiku, as the vice-president, made Obasanjo kneel before him so that he could have a second term in the run-up to the 2003 election.

 

Wike stated, “You forget history. In 2002 and 2003, when President Olusegun Obasanjo wanted to run for a second term, a whole President knelt down before his deputy and said, ‘My vice, please allow me to run. You know one of the conditions he (Atiku) gave him? That Tony Anenih must be sacked as minister of works and that he must not be in the presidential campaign council. Obasanjo obliged.

 

“This one, we are not even giving such conditions; we are saying give us the national chairman and you say, ‘No, we will not listen to you people, don’t give us conditions’. This is something touching on the foundation of the unity of the country.”

 

He also promised to remain in the party, adding, “I have never left the PDP since 1998; I will never. Even when they came to destroy the PDP, I remained to serve the PDP. So how can this kind of character come and tell me that I should not destroy the PDP; the PDP he destroyed?”

Wike attacks Secondus

 

Meanwhile, Wike has attacked the former National Chairman of the PDP, Prince Uche Secondus. He said Secondus was not his benefactor, rather he is Secondus’ benefactor.

 

Reacting to Saturday PUNCH’s report where Secondus said no one could impose a presidential candidate on the people of the state, Wike said he never said he would impose a candidate on the people. “All I said was that I would tell Rivers people who I want to support. It is then left for Rivers people to decide whether they will follow me or not.”

 

He added, “He then came up provoked and said I am fighting my benefactors and that I will soon leave office. Please Secondus, you couldn’t have been my benefactor, or those following you couldn’t have been my benefactors. First of all, I won as council chairman in 1998/1999, you did not support me. Second tenure, you wanted to upturn my ticket, you couldn’t.”

 

“So, you can’t be my benefactor; you are not the one who made me governor; for you to make me governor, you must be the one that sponsored the election, is it not? So, you are deceiving Nigerians, Rather, I should be your benefactor,” Wike added.

 

The governor said he supported Secondus to become the national chairman despite the odds against him, noting that when he tried to impose his nephew or cousin, they had to “kick him out.”

Okowa replies G-5

 

The governor of Delta State and Atiku’s running mate, Ifeanyi Okowa, on Friday said God would determine Nigeria’s next President and not the action of the G-5 governors.

 

Okowa spoke in Aboh when he led the Delta PDP campaign train to the Ndokwa East and Ndokwa West local government areas of the state. He expressed confidence that the five governors would put the past behind them and work for the victory of the PDP in the 2023 elections.

 

Okowa said, “God has said it that we, the PDP, will win this election. Many things may be happening now and people may be asking what about the G-5 governors. These governors are our brothers; everybody is important. But what God has said will happen, nobody can change it.

 

“Even if some of them decide to support the APC, some will still remain with us because there will be division among them. The real truth is that I have strong political eyes and I have observed that no matter what they do, the PDP will win the forthcoming election by the grace of God.

 

“It is only the power of God that can help us to win. No matter what the G-5 say, we will win.”

 

Speaking on the two other leading candidates, Okowa said, “We all know that the candidate of the APC is not good enough to be our president. Also we know that the Labour Party is not going anywhere and we need to sweet-talk the party supporters not to waste their votes.

 

“Those wishing to vote for the Labour Party are only indirectly helping the APC and trying to reduce the votes of the PDP. So, please go and plead with the Labour Party supporters to return to the PDP and join hands with us to change Nigeria for better.”

Atiku’s PH rally

 

The PDP Campaign Management Committee in Rivers State has slated January 16 for its presidential campaign in the state. The party applied to use the Port Harcourt Polo Club for rallying support for Atiku.

 

In a letter dated December 10 to the President of the Polo Club, Chukwudi Dimkpa, the Director, State Campaign Management Committee, Dr Abiye Sekibo, said the party planned to use the facility for its mega rally.

 

Sekibo also promised that the party would adhere to “all the necessary requirements by the club.”

 

“We hope that our application will be accorded the needed urgent attention and approval to enable us to finalise with our preparations towards holding a peaceful, smooth and successful presidential campaign rally in Rivers State,” he added.

(Punch)

77 thoughts on “PDP G-5 govs’ Still On Tinubu, Obi’s adoption

  1. Magnificent beat ! I wish to apprentice while you amend your web site, how can i subscribe for a blog site? The account aided me a acceptable deal. I had been tiny bit acquainted of this your broadcast provided bright clear concept

  2. Hi, Neat post. There is a problem together with your web site in internet explorer, may check this? IE still is the marketplace leader and a large component to folks will leave out your wonderful writing due to this problem.

  3. Wonderful site you have here but I was curious if you knew of any discussion boards that cover the same topics talked about in this article? I’d really love to be a part of group where I can get opinions from other knowledgeable individuals that share the same interest. If you have any recommendations, please let me know. Kudos!

  4. Thanks for the marvelous posting! I seriously enjoyed reading it, you may be a great author. I will ensure that I bookmark your blog and will often come back later in life. I want to encourage you to continue your great writing, have a nice morning!

  5. Simply wish to say your article is as astonishing. The clearness in your post is simply excellent and i can assume you are an expert on this subject. Well with your permission allow me to grab your RSS feed to keep up to date with forthcoming post. Thanks a million and please continue the gratifying work.

  6. I believe what you postedtypedsaidthink what you postedwrotethink what you postedtypedsaidthink what you postedtypedsaidWhat you postedwrote was very logicala lot of sense. But, what about this?think about this, what if you were to write a killer headlinetitle?content?wrote a catchier title? I ain’t saying your content isn’t good.ain’t saying your content isn’t gooddon’t want to tell you how to run your blog, but what if you added a titlesomethingheadlinetitle that grabbed a person’s attention?maybe get people’s attention?want more? I mean %BLOG_TITLE% is a little vanilla. You might peek at Yahoo’s home page and see how they createwrite post headlines to get viewers interested. You might add a related video or a pic or two to get readers interested about what you’ve written. Just my opinion, it might bring your postsblog a little livelier.

  7. Great article! This is the type of information that are meant to be shared around the internet. Disgrace on the seek engines for not positioning this submit upper! Come on over and seek advice from my site . Thank you =)

  8. Woah! I’m really enjoying the template/theme of this website. It’s simple, yet effective. A lot of times it’s very hard to get that “perfect balance” between superb usability and visual appeal. I must say you have done a fantastic job with this. Additionally, the blog loads very fast for me on Safari. Exceptional Blog!

  9. First off I want to say wonderful blog! I had a quick question in which I’d like to ask if you don’t mind. I was curious to know how you center yourself and clear your thoughts before writing. I have had trouble clearing my mind in getting my thoughts out. I do enjoy writing but it just seems like the first 10 to 15 minutes are usually wasted just trying to figure out how to begin. Any ideas or tips? Kudos!

  10. An intriguing discussion is worth comment. I believe that you should write more on this issue, it might not be a taboo subject but usually people do not speak about such topics. To the next! Many thanks!!

  11. Hey There. I found your blog the use of msn. This is a very smartly written article. I will be sure to bookmark it and come back to read more of your useful information. Thank you for the post. I will definitely comeback.

  12. I was recommended this website by my cousin. I am not sure whether this post is written by him as no one else know such detailed about my difficulty. You are amazing! Thanks!

  13. What’s Happening i’m new to this, I stumbled upon this I have found It positively helpful and it has helped me out loads. I hope to give a contribution & aid other users like its helped me. Good job.

  14. You really make it seem so easy together with your presentation however I in finding this topic to be really something which I think I might never understand. It sort of feels too complicated and very extensive for me. I am looking forward in your next submit, I will try to get the hang of it!

  15. Nice post. I learn something new and challenging on sites I stumbleupon every day. It will always be helpful to read content from other writers and practice a little something from their sites.

  16. To understand verified rumour, dog these tips:

    Look for credible sources: https://w1000w.com/wp-content/pages/where-da-at-doe-news-anchor.html. It’s material to guard that the news roots you are reading is respected and unbiased. Some examples of good sources include BBC, Reuters, and The Fashionable York Times. Read multiple sources to get a well-rounded sentiment of a particular info event. This can help you return a more complete paint and keep bias. Be aware of the viewpoint the article is coming from, as constant good hearsay sources can have bias. Fact-check the dirt with another commencement if a communication article seems too unequalled or unbelievable. Always be sure you are reading a fashionable article, as expos‚ can change quickly.

    By means of following these tips, you can befit a more au fait news reader and more intelligent be aware the everybody everywhere you.

  17. Бурение скважин сверху воду – это эпидпроцесс образования отверстий в течение земной шар для извлечения подземных вод. Эти скважины утилизируются чтобы хозпитьевой вода, сплав растений, промышленных нищенствования а также других целей. Процесс бурения скважин подсоединяет в себя эксплуатация специализированного снабжения, такого яко бурильные предписания, тот или иной проникают на грунт и еще создают отверстия: https://ide.geeksforgeeks.org/tryit.php/32bca7ab-bf76-4322-aac3-5dab5e7bfacc. Сии скважины обычно имеют глубину через нескольких 10-ов до пары сторублевок метров.
    После творения скважины, специалисты проводят стресс-тестирование, чтобы предназначить ее производительность и качество воды. Через некоторое время скважина снабжается насосом равным образом иными построениями, чтоб создать условия хронический пропуск к воде. Бурение скважин на водичку представляет собой принципиальным процессом, который гарантирует впуск. ant. выход к прямою водопитьевой здесь а также используется на разных отраслях промышленности. Однако, текущий эпидпроцесс может носить негативное суггестивность на окружающую сферу, то-то что поделаешь выдерживать отвечающие философия а также регуляции.

  18. Эмпайр скважин сверху воду – это эпидпроцесс творенья отверстий в течение миру чтобы извлечения находящийся под землей вод, кои смогут употребляться для разных круглее, начиная питьевую водичку, полив растений, индустриальные необходимости а также другие: https://click4r.com/posts/g/11745353/. Чтобы бурения скважин используют специализированное оборудование, это яко бурильные агрегата, тот или другой проникают на подсолнечную и создают отверстия глубиной от нескольких 10-ов до нескольких сотен метров.
    После создания скважины прочерчивается стресс-тестирование, чтобы предназначить нее эффективность а также качество воды. Затем скважина снабжается насосом также противными доктринами, чтоб поставить хронический приступ ко воде. Хотя бурение скважин сверху воду играет высокопоставленную цена в течение обеспечивании допуска ко чистой хозпитьевой воде а также используется на различных отраслях индустрии, текущий процесс может показывать отрицательное суггестивность на брать в кольцо среду. То-то что поделаешь беречь подходящие философия и регуляции.

  19. Europe is a continent with a rolling in it annals and diverse culture. Lifestyle in Europe varies greatly depending on the provinces and region, but there are some commonalities that can be observed.
    One of the defining features of lifestyle in Europe is the strong moment on work-life balance. Many European countries suffer with laws mandating a sure amount of vacation time for workers, and some procure flush with experimented with shorter workweeks. This allows seeking more in good time spent with kinsfolk and pursuing hobbies and interests.
    http://valla-cranes.co.uk/wp-content/pages/meet-anna-berezina_4.html
    Europe is also known for its rich cultural estate, with many cities boasting centuries-old architecture, astuteness wiles, and literature. Museums, galleries, and documented sites are abundant, and visitors can bury themselves in the information and culture of the continent.
    In addition to cultural attractions, Europe is effectively to a far-reaching genre of consonant beauty. From the impressive fjords of Norway to the clear beaches of the Mediterranean, there is no shortage of stunning landscapes to explore.
    Of ambit, life in Europe is not without its challenges. Multifarious countries are grappling with issues such as income incongruence, immigration, and federal instability. Yet, the people of Europe are resilient and get a extended portrayal of overcoming adversity.
    Overall, existence in Europe is invaluable and mixed, with something to advance in compensation everyone. Whether you’re interested in history, enlightenment, temperament, or only enjoying a trustworthy work-life steadiness, Europe is a horrendous lodgings to entitle home.

  20. Absolutely! Find news portals in the UK can be awesome, but there are numerous resources at to help you mark the best the same as you. As I mentioned before, conducting an online search for https://ccyd.co.uk/news/lawrence-jones-fox-news-contributor-height-how.html “UK news websites” or “British news portals” is a great starting point. Not but desire this hand out you a comprehensive list of news websites, but it will also provender you with a heartier brainpower of the common communication view in the UK.
    Aeons ago you secure a liber veritatis of future story portals, it’s powerful to estimate each one to choose which overwhelm suits your preferences. As an example, BBC Advice is known benefit of its disinterested reporting of information stories, while The Trustee is known quest of its in-depth breakdown of political and social issues. The Self-governing is known championing its investigative journalism, while The Times is known for its work and funds coverage. During concession these differences, you can select the information portal that caters to your interests and provides you with the news you have a yen for to read.
    Additionally, it’s usefulness looking at local expos‚ portals for specific regions within the UK. These portals lay down coverage of events and scoop stories that are relevant to the область, which can be firstly cooperative if you’re looking to charge of up with events in your town community. In behalf of exemplar, local communiqu‚ portals in London classify the Evening Standard and the Londonist, while Manchester Evening Hearsay and Liverpool Repercussion are hot in the North West.
    Overall, there are diverse tidings portals available in the UK, and it’s significant to do your experimentation to find the united that suits your needs. At near evaluating the contrasting low-down portals based on their coverage, luxury, and editorial standpoint, you can select the individual that provides you with the most fitting and attractive news stories. Decorous luck with your search, and I anticipation this bumf helps you find the correct dope portal since you!

  21. You really make it seem so easy with your presentation but I find this topic to be really something which I think I would never understand. It seems too complicated and very broad for me. I am looking forward for your next post, I will try to get the hang of it!

  22. I know this if off topic but I’m looking into starting my own blog and was wondering what all is required to get set up? I’m assuming having a blog like yours would cost a pretty penny? I’m not very internet savvy so I’m not 100% positive. Any tips or advice would be greatly appreciated. Appreciate it

  23. Hey There. I found your blog using msn. This is an extremely well written article. I will be sure to bookmark it and come back to read more of your useful information. Thanks for the post. I will definitely comeback.

  24. Hi this is somewhat of off topic but I was wondering if blogs use WYSIWYG editors or if you have to manually code with HTML. I’m starting a blog soon but have no coding experience so I wanted to get advice from someone with experience. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

  25. Undeniably believe that which you stated. Your favorite justification appeared to be on the net the simplest thing to be aware of. I say to you, I definitely get irked while people consider worries that they plainly do not know about. You managed to hit the nail upon the top as well as defined out the whole thing without having side effect , people can take a signal. Will likely be back to get more. Thanks

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *