PDP Crisis: ‘Why G-5 Governors Are Against Atiku, Ayu’

Governor of Abia State, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, has said the decision not to support the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, is simply an agitation for inclusiveness, fairness, and equity by the group of five governors (G-5) led by Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike.

Naija News reports that the G-5 governors, which include Ikpeazu, Wike, Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State, Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, had pulled out of Atiku’s campaign, demanding the resignation or removal of the PDP National Chairman, Iyorchia Ayu.

Speaking during a local TV interview in Aba, Abia State, Ikpeazu said their agitation is not just about the 2023 elections but efforts to strengthen mutual trust and fairness in all parts of the country.

According to the Governor, the Integrity Group’s agitation also borders on integrity and keeping promises, which he said was lacking in the current political system in the country.

He said: “There is an issue, issue of integrity, issue of keeping promises, issue of making sure that if we say after me, it’s you, and when that time comes, it happens.

“It will stabilize us as a country, engender social mobilization sufficient to tackle our security problems, tackle the economic problems, tackle other problems that confront us in this country.

“Social mobilization is the most critical ingredient today beyond anything, inclusiveness, integrity, mutual respect, trust.

“So G-5 speaks to a new paradigm. It is beyond 2023. It speaks about a new paradigm. In 2027, I will still want a system that will include everybody irrespective of what the outcome of the 2023 elections may be.”

Ikpeazu said that the G-5 Governors are standing to speak up for those in the North, South, and others believed to be discriminated against in the nation’s power play.

He said: “We are saying, we want a strong North that respects the South, just as we want a strong South that has respect for the North.

“That way, our full capacities can be deployed to solve our problems.”