PDP Crisis: Wike Offered Donald Duke As Atiku’s Running Mate – Source

The Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike has reportedly ruled out the possibility of a one-on-one meeting with the presidential flagbearer of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar.

The Rivers state governor, who insisted that Atiku should engage his team for peace talks on the terms proposed to the party, particularly the resignation of the national chairman, Dr. Iyorchia Ayu, stated that he no longer have faith in Atiku

A source told the Nation that Wike, who has returned from Turkey, has foreclosed a one-on-one meeting with Atiku, citing lack of faith in any personal agreement with the candidate.

Speaking further, the source, who revealed what transpired between Atiku and Wike, said that the Rivers governor had suggested that he pick Donald Duke as his running mate.

The source said: “There is no likelihood of Wike having one-on-one private discussion with Atiku. Shortly after the primary, the governor had a side meeting with Atiku in Abuja and nothing was adhered to.

“He was shocked that Atiku has not told Nigerians what transpired between him and Wike after the primary and how he arrived at Governor Ifeanyi Okowa as a running mate.

“Since there was no full disclosure, Wike has directed that fresh talks with Atiku should be with his strategy team members, who will come up with an advisory for him.”

On what transpired between Atiku and Wike, the source said: “You can also crosscheck what I will tell you from the camp of the ex-VP. Following the euphoria of winning the primary, Atiku visited Wike to seek his support.

“He promised to make him a vice presidential candidate. Wike said he does not want the office, but that Atiku should consider ex-Governor Donald Duke. Atiku and his supporters prevailed on Wike to be his running mate.

“There was much pressure on Wike to agree to the offer. A 17-man committee was also set up by the leadership of the party and 14 of the 17 members recommended Wike as Atiku’s running mate.

“The party leadership later raised a kangaroo committee (with Ayu as a member), which claimed that the party can only recommend three candidates to Atiku to pick. And it was obvious to Wike and his team that there was a predetermined candidate.

“You can see the lines of insincerity and lack of faith to talks. This explains why Wike shut his doors against Atiku.

“However, Atiku is still said to be hopeful about reconciliation with Wike.”