Wike, Ortom, Makinde, Others To Continue Offensive Against Atiku, Ayu, Map Out New Strategy

Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State and other aggrieved governors, known as the G-5, in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have resolved to sustain their battle against the presidential candidate of the party, Atiku Abubakar, and their national chairman, Dr. Iyorchia Ayu.

Naija News reports that the G-5 governors are backed by Donald Duke, Jonah Jang, Ibrahim Dakwanmbo, Segun Mimiko, Ayo Fayose, former governors of Cross River, Plateau, Gombe, Ondo, and Ekiti states respectively, as well as Chief Olabode George, Professor Jerry Gana, Mohammed Adoke amongst others.

The aggrieved party members had pulled out of the PDP presidential campaign, demanding the removal or resignation of the party’s national chairman before campaigning for Atiku.

The aggrieved governors claimed that Ayu had promised that he would resign his position if a northerner emerged as the presidential candidate of the PDP.

However, the main opposition party has been unable to resolve the crisis with both camps engaging in a media war.

With Atiku refusing to pressure Ayu to resign, Wike and his group have resolved to sustain the tempo of agitation for the resignation of the PDP national chairman.

The G5, which held a crucial meeting in Makurdi, capital of Benue State on Sunday, is also trying to persuade other aggrieved chieftains to its camp from the six geo-political zones to give their agitation a national outlook.

They are also trying to resist the ‘divide and rule tactics’ allegedly employed by Atiku to undermine and destabilise their structures.

A source told The Nation that the five governors have resolved to remain united in their opposition to Atiku.

According to the source, the aggrieved governors have resolved to fight on, following moves by Atiku to instigate some party chieftains against them in their states.

The source, who is close to one of the governors, said it is too late for the G5 to discontinue their agitations for Ayu’s sack.

He said: ”G5 is also fighting to keep its camp intact and resisting moves by Atiku to polarise them. It may also be possible that the governors are receiving motivation from outside forces.

“Part of their strategies is to attend fully any activity organised by any of them, particularly during the campaigns.”

”The battle started long time ago. It started ahead of the convention for the election of the national chairman. Although Wike and his group supported Ayu, little did they guess that he is a staunch supporter of Atiku.

“But, the challenge now is that if Ayu steps down, the five governors may invent another not to support Akitu,” the source said.