Enugu politician and stalwart of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Hon Ben Alukwu has urged former Vice President and Presidential Candidate Atiku Abubakar to stick with his chosen running mate Ifeanyi Okowa.
The rift in the party has become worrisome since the choice of Okowa over Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State.
Wike has since held several closed door meetings with the opposition including the Presidential Candidates of Labour Party, Peter Obi, that of NNPP Rabiu Kwankwaso, raising fears of a possible defection.
A committee has also been set up to meet and beg Wike to remain in the party.
However, Wike’s supporters are asking for a reverse of the choice of Vice Presidential Candidate in favour of Wike and the resignation of the party Chairman, Iyorchia Ayu.
Speaking exclusively to EverydayNews in Enugu Alukwu (Onye Eze) noted that the choice of Okowa was one of the best things that could happen to the party at this time.
He also argued that it is the prerogative of a candidate to chose his running mate, “yet Atiku allowed the party to assist in selecting the best candidate; and Okowa was chosen.
“It is only fair that Wike should be a leader and a democratic that he is and allow the choice of the candidate and majority of stakeholders to stand.”
Moreover, Alukwu noted that it is too late in the day for a change of running mate, just as he said it would also send wrong signals that the candidate is not a man of his words.
The former House of Reps aspirant warned those pushing Wike on ‘this journey’ to retrace their steps insisting that the interest of the party, at all times, takes precedence over personal interests.
Alukwu also supported the decision of the PDP Presidential Candidate that the National Party Chairman Ayu should remain until after the 2023 elections.
This is also contrary to the demands of Wike’s camp who are calling for the respect of an earlier agreement that Ayu would step down if a Northen candidate emerges.
But the Enugu born politician and businessman argues that the priority for the PDP should be how to win the 2023 election, “and if the candidate believes Ayu has a role to play to achieve victory, so be it.”
