…. As battle zeroes in on Wike, Atiku
As expected,the nation’s main opposition party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is going ahead with its scheduled primary to select a standard bearer for the presidential election in February 2023.
Those in the race are Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, Governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom State, Publisher of Ovation magazine,Mr Dele Momodu and former Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar.
Others are, Gov. Bala Mohammed of Bauchi, former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, Dr Bukola Saraki and Former Gov.of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose.
Also in the race are Sokoto State Governor, Alhaji Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, Mazi Sam Ohabunwa, Rt Hon. Chikwendu Kalu, Chief Ugwu Charles Okwudili. Anakeueze Nwachukwu and Hon Tari Dana Oliver.
On Friday evening, Vehicles adorned with posters of the Rivers State Governor were features of major roads and streets in the Federal Capital Territory FCT Abuja.
On Saturday morning, delegates and party observers swere seen flocking the M. K . O stadium,a good number of them from different states wearing the face of Gov Wike.
An interview with delegates from Katsina,Kano Borno and Yobe reveals the support Wike enjoys among Northern delegation.
A chat with delegates from the South West, South East, South South and the middle belt reveals same. In fact three prominent delegates told this publication” Wike deserves our support for all he has done. Without him, PDP would have died.’
“He is the main man one of them cuts in
An Atiku supporter cornered in Adamawa pavilion,one Nasiru said ” We are hopeful but we are looking at how things will be. It is too early to comment “
It would be recalled that two aspirants just a few days and hours withdrew from the race. They are Mr Peter Obi and Mohammed Hayatu-deen.
, Mr Peter Obi, formergovernor of Anambra State who did not only withdraw from the presidential race but resigned from the party.He later announced his membership for the Labour party.
Another aspirant, Mohammed Hayatu-deen withdrew from the race less than 24 hours to the primary citing monetary inducement to delegates by fellow aspirants as reason.
No fewer than eight hundred delegates across the 774 local government areas of the country are voting in the highly tensed presidential primary.
