Rising from a meeting in Port Harcourt River State Peoples Democratic Party stalwarts led by Rivers State governor, Nyesom Wike have resolved to boycott the campaign of their party’s presidential candidate Abubakar Atiku.
Others who were present at the meeting include Bode George, Seye Makinde, Olusegun Mimiko, Senator Jonah Jang, Ayo Fayose, Senator Garkin Labo, Senator Sandey Onor, Senator Mao Ohuabunna, Prince Chibudum Nuwche, and Caleb Mutfwang.
They insisted that Party chairman Iyorchia Ayo must resign from his post for harmony to return to the party ahead of the 2023 elections.
Speaking after the meeting Chief George said:
George said: “We resolve that we are deeply concerned by the division in our party. We are aware that over the years our party has developed conflict resolution mechanisms that guarantee inclusiveness. The published presidential campaign council list translates to putting the cat before the horse. The pertinent issue remains the resolution of the leadership which is a departure of “Senator Iyorchia Ayu must resign as the National Chairman of the party for an acting Chairman of the Southern Nigerian extraction to emerge and lead the party on the national campaign.
“Consequently, we resolve not to participate in the campaign council in whatever capacity until the resignation of Dr. Iyorchia Ayu”.
Senator Jang also chipped in“For a National Chairman, Senator Iyorchia Ayu to go and embrace Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Tanbuwal, calling him the hero of the convention meant that there was a private arrangement that was done with Tambuwal to shortchange other contestants including Governor Wike.
“Here was a referee, who helped one of his sides to score a goal and then blew the whistle. This is not what we formed the PDP to do for Nigerians. Therefore, we unequivocally ask that Ayu must step down”.
