Atiku Camp Moves Against Wike, G-5 Governors, Expands Plot To Benue, Lagos Others

Atiku Camp has expanded plot to Benue, Lagos and other states, despite unsettled dispute with G-5 governors.

EKO HOT BLOG reports that the camp of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has intensified plots to neutralize the stronghold of Governor Nyesom Wike-led G-5 governors in their respective states.

This online media platform gathered that several attempts to resolve the crisis in the main opposition party have failed as the G-5 governors and the Integrity group have continued to insist on the resignation of the party’s National Chairman, Senator Iyorchia Ayu, for a condition to back Atiku’s presidential bid.

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Members of the Integrity Group include Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State; Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State; Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State; Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State; former Governor Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti; Chief Olabode George; former Governor Donald Duke of Cross Rivers; Chief Dan Orbih; PDP Deputy National Chairman, Taofeek Arapaja; and many others.

Loyalists of the PDP presidential candidate now feel the opposition must secure the support of more PDP chieftains and members in the concerned states to boost their chances of winning next year’s election.

According to sources, Atiku camp has started recruiting party chieftains across the southern states where there are fears that the Atiku/Ayu combination as a presidential candidate and party chairman is not in the best interest of the south.

Atiku’s allies are said to be determined to take control of Benue State from Governor Ortom, vowing not to allow anyone to rubbish Ayu in his home state.

Benue State

Ayu, who is from Benue State, is being backed by other chieftains in the state including, Senator Gabriel Suswam, Senator Abba Moro, Professor Iyorwuese Hagher, Mrs. Margaret Ichen, and Hon. Chille Igbawua.

A source told The Nation that, “Benue is a PDP state with numerous PDP leaders scattered all over the state. Ortom is just one of them,” the source said.

“With the National Chairman and our Senators ready to support Atiku, the party is strongly behind him and he will do well in Benue state next year.”

But Ortom supporters have accused Atiku and his allies of seeking the support of “politicians who cannot win elections” to work against the Benue governor.

“We are not unaware of the move by these people to infiltrate Benue PDP. But I can tell you that our leaders are resolute in their support for Governor Ortom,” the source said.

“Yes, a few politicians who cannot win elections on their own without Ortom’s support are being recruited. But unless the right thing is done, Ortom will triumph over them all.”

Lagos, Oyo, And Ekiti

Similarly, Atiku’s camp has begun plots to shore up their support for the PDP presidential candidate in the southwest, especially Lagos, Oyo, and Ekiti states.

The camp is working with Lagos chieftains like Olajide Adediran, the governorship candidate in Lagos State, Engr. Adedeji Doherty, Adetokunbo Pearse, the state PDP chairman, Mr. Philips Aivoji, former Minister, Dr. Abimbola Ogunkelu, BOT member, Mrs. Aduke Maina, former chairman of the party, Capt. Tunji Shelle, Mr. Wahab Owokoniran, Mr. Segun Adewale (Aeroland), and the State Working Committee of the party, among many other leading party chieftains.

According to sources, supporters of a former Deputy National Chairman of the PDP, Bode George, and his allies across the state may have decided to work for the victory of Labour Party candidates in the state next year.

”Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, the governorship candidate of the Labour Party, and many of the party’s candidates were members of the Bode George group before defecting. So, you should understand why Atiku and Jandor don’t stand any chance in Lagos again,” a source said.

In Ekiti State, it will be a fight to the finish between the two main factions in the PDP. While former governor Ayodele Fayose remains committed to the G-5 governors, the faction led by Senator Abiodun Olujimi is working for Atiku.

FURTHER READING

• PDP: Atiku Has Tried His Best To Reconcile With G-5 Governors – Campaign Council

• ‘I Cannot Be One Of The Governors Stealing LG Funds’ – Okowa Replies Buhari

• 2023: APC Reacts As Dogara, Northern Leaders Endorse Atiku

While in Oyo State, Atiku’s men are digging deep in their bid to outsmart Governor Makinde, who enjoys the backing of the state executive committee of the party as well as other leading PDP chieftains, led by Taofeek Arapaja.

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