Wike’s G-5 pledge support for Abia PDP candidates, silent on Atiku
By Steve Oko
Contrary to impressions by the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, that efforts were on to reconcile its presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar and the Gov. Nyesom Wike-led G-5 Integrity Governors, the political fued between both camps is yet to be over.
This came to the fore Thursday as the G5 Governors were in Abia State to solidarise with Gov. Okezie Ikpeazu as PDP, formally flagged off its campaigns for the 2023 elections.
The G-5 Governors who took turns to address the mammoth crowd of party faithful and PDP supports at the Umuahia Township Stadium, venue of the rally, pledged their unflinching support for all PDP candidates in the state.
Wawa News Global reports that the G-5 stormed Umuahia to give glamour to the presentation of PDP candidates in Abia.
Speaking at the event, Gov. Wike whose speech was interrupted intermittently with music and his stylish dances, said the Integrity Governors would help to deliver all Abia PDP candidates.
He was, however, silent on the presidential candidate of the party, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar.
Rather, Wike said: ” I hope you people listen to Gov Okezie Ikpeazu; he will tell you at the appropriate time what to do”.
Apparently referring to a prominent PDP member from Gov. Ikpeazu’s Obingwa ward that defected to the opposition party shortly before the primaries, Wike said “Abians should not trust men who don’t keep their words”.
” There was a man from the Governor’s Obingwa who wanted to leave PDP out of provocation. We called him and said what do we do?
” He said we should give him money, and we gave him money. But three days after collecting the money, he left PDP. Should we vote for such a man?”
In his remarks, Gov. Samuel Ortom of Benue State said the Integrity Governors were committed to rescuing Nigeria from captivity.
He said they would not be cowed by anti-democratic forces holding the country down.
Similarly, Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, said that the 2023 elections would be like no other since the history of Nigeria.
He urged Abians to stay focused and defend democracy.
Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State, in in brief remarks, prayed that God would help PDP win in 2023.
Speaking at the event, Gov. Okezie Ikpeazu said that his administration had done well, boasting that the 2023 elections would be a walkover for PDP in the state.
He mocked the opposition, saying that those who failed primaries in PDP jumped into them and they handed their flags to them.
” Candidates of other parties are those we rejected in PDP. They were people in PDP wastepaper bin and were inconsequential. Go home and sleep, they are no threats”.
Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Chinedum Orji, said that PDP would sweep the polls in Abia.
In his remarks, the PDP governorship flag bearer, Professor Uche Ikonne, said he considered himself very lucky to fly the ruling party’s flag, expressing optimism that he would emerge victorious at the poll.
” When I look behind me, I see five warriors, and I am encouraged”.
Speaking earlier, PDP Chairman in the State, Dr Asiforo Okere, said he had no doubts that the ruling party would retain power beyond 2023 in the state considering the impressive scorecard of Gov. Ikpeazu.
Highlight of the rally was the handing over of PDP flag to all 36 PDP candidates contesting for various positions in the state.
The flags were presented to them by the Deputy National Chairman of PDP, South, Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja.
Some of the candidates were Senator Mao Ohuabunwa for Abia North; Col. Austin Akobundu, Abia Central; and Hon. Chinedum Orji, Ikwuano/Umuahia federal constituency.
Former Governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose, was among dignitaries present at the event.
Steve Oko, Publisher/C.E.O, WaWa News Global. For more information on advert placement and news coverage, contact us on: 08038725600, or via email stevemanofgod2000@yahoo.com; wawanewsglobal@gmail.com Always read WaWa News Global - Your most dependable online news platform for the latest breaking news in Nigeria.
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