The Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has extended a new offer to Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike out of concern for the threat the governor’s camp poses to his goal in next year’s presidential election.
In an effort to mend fences, the two men met on Thursday in Abuja. Atiku pledged backing for Wike’s own 2027 presidential campaign in exchange for Wike’s agreement to lay down his sword and vote for him (Atiku) in the 2023 election.
Since June, when the former vice president selected Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa over Wike as his running partner, the couple and their supporters have been engaged in a public conflict.
Even though the governor of Rivers State and his followers threatened to boycott Atiku’s presidential bid, it seemed as though Atiku had made the decision to disregard him and continued with his campaign.
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A significant rift has developed within the PDP as a result of Wike’s support from five of the 11 state governors elected on its platform.
However, a new initiative brought them together on Thursday, and Atiku begged Wike to convince Wike’s camp to join the PDP campaign train.
The PDP presidential candidate reportedly pledged to support Wike for the presidency in 2027, according to sources close to the meeting.
According to information received, Wike appears uncommitted to Atiku because of prior breaches of commitment. Wike is therefore alleged to have stated that he would consult his group before returning to Atiku.
According to sources, Wike was not overly enthusiastic about the 2027 possibility because Atiku had earlier this week in Enugu made a similar pledge to the Igbo.
Investigations indicate that Atiku and Wike had a private meeting at the governor’s home in Abuja’s Asokoro District.
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A second person with knowledge of the events stated: “Again, Atiku extended the olive branch to Wike. He begged the governor to consider the wider perspective of winning the election in 2023.
“He requested that Wike convince his group to board the PDP campaign bus.
Despite the disagreements of the previous three weeks, which were brought on by the conclusion of the party’s presidential primaries, Atiku pledged to treat all PDP members fairly.
Atiku allegedly offered to “back Wike in 2027 if he offers him essential assistance in the existing campaign,” according to another highly-placed source.
“Wike was not forthcoming and he avoided an outright commitment to Atiku’s request to be part of the PDP campaign team.
“He told Atiku that he would go and consult with his team and get back to him.
“So, he has kept Atiku in suspense again. We don’t know what the governor and his strategists will say.”
