The Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has extended a new offer to Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike out of concern for the threat the governor’s camp poses to his goal in next year’s presidential election.
In an effort to mend fences, the two men met on Thursday in Abuja. Atiku pledged support for Wike’s own 2027 presidential campaign in exchange for Wike’s agreement to lay down his sword and vote for him (Atiku) in the 2023 election.
Since June, when the former vice president selected Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa over Wike as his running partner, the couple and their supporters have been engaged in a public conflict.
Previous attempts to make peace between them had been fruitless.
Even though the governor of Rivers State and his followers threatened to boycott Atiku’s presidential bid, it seemed as though Wike had made the decision to disregard him and continued with his campaign.
A significant rift has developed within the PDP as a result of Wike’s support from five of the 11 state governors elected on its platform.
However, a new initiative brought them together on Thursday, and Atiku begged Wike to convince Wike’s camp to join the PDP campaign train.
The PDP presidential candidate reportedly pledged to support Wike for the presidency in 2027, according to sources close to the meeting.
Due to past pledge violations, Wike was reportedly uncommitted to Atiku.
The Nation was also informed by sources that Wike was not enthusiastic about the 2027 possibility due to a similar promise made by Atiku to the Igbo during a meeting with PDP stakeholders in Enugu earlier this week.
Investigations indicate that Atiku and Wike had a private meeting at the governor’s home in Abuja’s Asokoro neighborhood.
A source with knowledge of the events said: “Again, Atiku extended the olive branch to Wike. He urged with the governor to consider the wider picture of winning the election in 2023.
“He asked Wike to prevail on his group to join the PDP campaign train.
“Atiku promised to be fair to all PDP members despite the differences of the past few weeks which were caused by the outcome of the party’s presidential primaries.”
Another highly-placed source said Atiku offered to “support Wike in 2027 if he gives necessary support to him in the ongoing campaign.
“Wike was not forthcoming and he avoided an outright commitment to Atiku’s request to be part of the PDP campaign team.
“He told Atiku that he would go and consult with his team and get back to him.
“So, he has kept Atiku in suspense again. We don’t know what the governor and his strategists will say.”
A source in Wike’s camp said: “The governor wasn’t excited about the 2027 poll prospect because he made the Igbo a similar offer in Enugu a few days ago.
“The major challenge which Wike felt Atiku did not address was trust deficit. Our camp is of the opinion that Atiku doesn’t walk the talk on any agreement or issue because of pressure here and there.
“This crisis would not have reached this level if Atiku had kept faith with London talks and unwritten agreement with Wike.
“Our group will soon meet on the latest overtures from Atiku.”
