Even the most seasoned political experts were taken aback by the Rivers Governor Nyesom Wike’s camp leaving the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) nominee Atiku Abubakar’s presidential campaign.
As a result, Atiku made the following declaration: “Let us join hands and continue on with the mission of nation building.”
“If Dr. Ayu is to be removed from office, it must be done in accordance with the statutes that set forth such removal’s justification,” claims Atiku. You will all remember, however, that the same body authorised by law to begin this removal from office has already given him a vote of confidence.
Dele Momodu, a PDP leader, supported this position by stating that Atiku could not unilaterally dismiss Ayu in order to placate Wike’s side.
Momodu made this assertion on Thursday, during an interview on AriseTV
Ovation Magazine’s publisher also revealed that, despite errors made during the presidential primaries, party stakeholders were pleading with Wike and his team to maintain party cohesion before the campaign season.
Momodu said, “I believe things will calm down eventually with stakeholders appealing to the aggrieved parties which is why I reached out to Wike not to carry it too far. It is unfortunate that this is happening months after primaries.
“It is not possible for Atiku to unilaterally remove Ayu which is why stakeholders must not say things to attack and divide the party. He also doesn’t have the power to compel Ayu to leave. There is a need for continuous engagement and dialogue and issues will become clearer in the days ahead.
“Yes, some mistakes were made with regards with deals being made especially on Tambuwal’s withdrawal and I agree with Wike on that but if you are being appealed to, you should adhere.
“I believe Atiku has every right to ensure the coming elections favour him due to the numbers and we don’t expect him to throw Ayu under the bus, if the Chairman supported him.
“Furthermore, I warned Wike that he might lose the primaries but he was persistent; I told my team that morning that some persons will step down for Atiku but the earlier we settle this issue, the better.”
