But despite the London meeting, there were, however, conflicting reports that the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, may have headed to London in an effort to woo the Rivers governor.
While a source said he left for London, another source from the former VP’s camp said that he (Atiku) left Nigeria for Paris after attendig the opening ceremony of the annual conference of Nigerian Bar Association, NBA.
Similarly, a source within the Atiku camp said he (Atiku) has not given up on the Rivers governor.
It will be recalled that the APC presidential candidate met with the Rivers governor and some PDP governors, including Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, and his Abia State counterpart, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu and other PDP stalwarts loyal to Wike in London on Monday night.
It was reported amid the PDP crisis, Governor Wike and some of his allies travelled out of the country for what was described as a critical meeting on their political future.
Wike has agreed to work for Tinubu — Masari
Alhaji Masari, who spoke from London, told the BBC Hausa, yesterday, that Tinubu met Wike, adding that they would continue to meet in due course.
His words: “The meeting was basically on the 2023 presidential election and by God’s grace, we are going to work with Governor Nyesom Wike; he will assist and we are going to win the election with ease, by the will of God.”
Asked whether Wike would join the APC to assist Tinubu win the election, Masari said he is not in a position to say if Wike would join the APC, adding that Wike didn’t have to leave the PDP before he could assist anyone he wants to help.
“This is because Wike is a big politician, a governor and he has control in some other states, apart from his state. He is good to the people and has associated with his people peacefully. By the grace of God, he will be of help to us.”
Asked if the new political romance will last as Atiku’s camp is still trying to pacify Wike, Masari said: “Well, only God knows what will happen next. But from what we are seeing now, what has transpired is that we are going to work with Wike and he will be useful to us.
“If you could remember, it was APC that caused the failure of APC in Bauchi, it was members of the party that led to the defeat of the governor from their party. The same thing happened in Adamawa State. So, what I want people to understand is that someone can still assist you, even without joining your party if he wants to.
“Furthermore, with the widespread acceptance of Bola Tinubu to Nigerians, I can assure you, by the will of God, he is going to win the election, with or without help. But there is this Hausa adage which says even if you’re beautiful, you should add to it by taking a bath. So, it’s not only about Wike, we are also talking with many other governors,” he said.
Masari said their political alliance with Wike will not make the likes of former Transport Minister, Mr Rotimi Amaechi and other APC members in Rivers State feel sidelined.
The APC chieftain said: “Nobody will do anything that will hurt Rotimi Amaechi; he is a party member and a formidable member of the APC.”
It’s a good omen for APC — Tinubu group
Also confirming the meeting, Director-General of Asiwaju Project Beyond 2023, Mr Realwan Okpanachi, said the Tinubu-Wike proposed alliance was a good omen for APC.
Okpanachi, in a statement, noted that Wike’s step was justified.
He said: “We can confirm to you authoritatively that Wike and his team met with Tinubu in London to discuss a strategic alliance, ahead of the 2023 presidential election.
“Both leaders appreciate the need to work together to ensure that Tinubu becomes the president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in 2023.
“The question is: Is Wike justified to take this particular step? The answer is a capital yes. What do you expect from a governor that has given everything to sustain the PDP only to be slightly compromised and embarrassed by the same party and its leaders/officers?
“Wike is old and politically experienced and savvy enough to make his decisions.”
Atiku jets to Paris, may meet Wike
On Atiku’s overseas trip, the source said: “I am not aware that Atiku has gone to London. Oga (Atiku) is in Paris, that is what I know and he went on a business trip to Paris. He left Lagos after the NBA conference but between then and now, I do not know whether he has left Paris for London.”
