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Akinwande Soji-Ojo
The presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, has said he is open and committed to negotiations that will resolve the internal crisis in the opposition party.
In a statement issued by his media adviser, Paul Ibe, Atiku said doors have not been shut against aggrieved members of the party, especially the five governors.
Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike and his associates — Samuel Ortom (Benue), Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia), Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu) and Seyi Makinde (Oyo), have been calling for the resignation of the party’s national chairman, Iyorchia Ayu— a demand that has polarised the party.
The five governors have also boycotted the PDP presidential campaign.
However, during a visit to Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, on Wednesday, Wike said he and his allies are still open to reconciliation with the leadership of the party.
Reacting, Ibe said Atiku welcomes reports that Wike and his group are favourably disposed to the resolution of the issues in the party.
“Atiku Abubakar also expresses his commitment to a negotiation that will resolve the crisis of confidence and pave the way for a much stronger and united PDP.
“The former Vice President of Nigeria notes that never at any time of the differences that have ensued have the doors been shut to Wike and his group.
“He enjoins every leader of the party and their supporters irrespective of their leanings to be open-minded and support the process of resolution of the extant issues,” he said.
Wike and his allies are demanding for Ayu’s resignation, saying the party’s presidential candidate and national chairman can’t come from the same region.