2023: Wike Is Not Desperate But PDP, Atiku Must Recognize Him – Agboola

A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and ex-House of Rep member, Kehinde Agboola has submitted that the party must recognize the Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike.

He spoke against the backdrop of Wike’s fallout with the PDP leadership over the outcome of the party’s presidential primary election and the subsequent emergence of Ifeanyi Okowa as the vice presidential candidate of the party.

According to Agboola, PDP can’t afford to play the politics of exclusion and part of what the leaders of the party must do is to ensure Wike is properly recognized as a pillar of the party, honoured and carried along in decisions heading into the 2023 general elections.

He however recognized the right of the party’s presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar to pick his running mate.

Speaking during an interview with Punch, Agboola was asked if the PDP can win the 2023 election given the current internal wranglings after Atiku picked Okowa and the reaction of Wike and his loyalists, the ex-lawmaker said winning is of God but the party must play the politics of inclusion.

He said: “Winning is with God, we can win. I don’t like the politics of exclusion. They must recognise Governor Wike. Everybody is mounting pressure on the party national leadership and the presidential candidate to play inclusive politics.

“Governor Wike is not desperate. He is a very committed party member who means well, has sustained the party and still has a great future. He must be recognised, carried along, honoured and respected. They must respect his views too.

“However, the presidential candidate has the right to nominate his running mate because we want peace.”

Meanwhile, Naija News reports Atiku has expressed readiness to meet Wike and resolve all the disagreements causing rancour within the party.