On Friday, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) expressed optimism that Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State will remain in the main opposition party despite meeting with certain governors of the governing All Progressives Congress (APC).
In a conversation with Tribune, the PDP National Publicity Secretary, Hon. Debo Ologunagba, made this statement and said that the former presidential candidate could not leave the party since he was the one who once kept the PDP together and sustained it.
Three APC governors, including Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti, Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo, and Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos, reportedly invaded Port Harcourt on Friday for an unknown meeting with Wike. This sparked rumors that they may try to persuade Wike to support the ruling party in the 2023 elections.
The PDP presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, bypassed the governor of Rivers State in choosing his running partner for the 2023 presidential election, which has angered the governor.
But addressing the issue, the PDP spokesman said: “I don’t speak for Governor Wike. I must put it on record. Governor Wike is a phenomenon in this country, Governor Wike is a politician of note. He is not a mean politician, he’s experienced, he’s gifted, and he’s very deep.
“He’s a man you can vouch for to speak wisely when it comes to matters of politics. He understands the issues.
“And so, we are confident because he’s been a true party man. Governor Wike has not left the PDP one minute since his membership of the PDP. That tells you the character of this individual; his dexterity, his steadfastness, his support and his passion for the party. That has never been in doubt.
“And so, when you read speculation from the press, which of course is welcome, but that may not reflect the true position.
“So, we know that Wike is a man that is consistent, that believes in saying what he believes in, that says it the way it is and a man who is very very passionate about the PDP.
“We believe that he is a man who is a major stakeholder in the party, which I have always described as a phenomenon.
“I mean, you recall that this individual, this governor, this outstanding governor that we call Mr. Project was at one point in this party circle the only man standing. So, we know him.
“He knows better than many of us when it comes to politics and we are confident in his membership of our party and in the critical role he has to play in fulfilling the mission and the mandate of our party, which is to rescue, rebuild and re-direct our country. We have no doubt about that.”
