More troubles for PDP as Atiku rejects Wike’s ‘Ayu must go’ request

The festering post-primary crisis of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has not abated.

The camp of Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike is seeking the immediate resignation of National Chairman Iyorchia Ayu as a condition for peace.

It follows overtures to the aggrieved governor by presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar.

However, the presidential candidate insisted that the chairman should remain in office to lead his campaign for next year’s election after which he will quit.

To resolve the crisis, party bigwigs are lobbying Wike to embrace reconciliation and support Atiku.

To avert losing the swing states, former Senate President Bukola Saraki is leading some party leaders to lobby Wike to support the presidential candidate.

Wike and his strategists have, however, insisted on their demand that Ayu must quit.

They maintained that Atiku should honour his promise that once the PDP presidential candidate emerges from the North, a Southerner will lead the party.

But Atiku’s camp claimed that Ayu can only step aside after the election.

Sources said PDP leaders are worried that the party may not be able to win the 2023 poll if it loses swing states like Rivers, Lagos and Kano.

It was gathered that Saraki, some ex-governors, former ministers and other leaders are lobbying for Atiku.

Although Atiku was said to be amenable to reconciliation, the leaders have been worried that it was better to open fresh talks with Wike.

They felt it will be dangerous to toy with Wike because of his greater influence on the party and the Southsouth.

A source said: “The party is drifting and party leaders are concerned. The National Working Committee (NWC) is divided now.

The Nation