Three days after the take-off, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Wednesday suspended its Presidential Campaign to address the grievances among party stakeholders.
The Presidential Campaign earlier slated to hold in Kebbi State on Wednesday as well as Zamfara on Thursday were called off to give room for more reconciliation among members.
Rivers State governor and his group had earlier pulled out of the Presidential Campaign Council pending the resignation of Ayu.
Our correspondent learnt that series of meeting were taking place at different locations in Abuja to accommodate the agitation of Rivers State governor, Nyesom Wike and his group calling for the replacement of the party’s Chairman, Senator Iyorchia Ayu with a Southerner.
A source who is aware of the present negotiations explained that the party leaders are mindful of the impact of not having the aggrieved governors onboard for the campaign, especially as they would also help to mobilize funds for the campaign.
It was gathered that the party had to reschedule their rallies in some of the state to meet with some bigwigs in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), including former governors.
The aim is to woo Wike and his strong men into supporting the presidential ambition of the former vice president who is certain that the PDP needs unity and composure to better its chances in the 2023 general elections.
Those who maintain the same position with Wike include: Governors Samuel Ortom (Benue); Seyi Makinde (Oyo); Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu); Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia).
Others are former governor of Ekiti, Ayo Fayose; former governor of Plateau State, Jonah David Jang; former governor of Cross River State; Donald Duke; former PDP deputy national chairman (South), Chief Olabode George, and former minister of Information and National Orientation, Prof Jerry Gana, among others.
Wike drew battle line on Wednesday when he appointed 14,000 advisers and 319 Ward Liaison officers and 40 Local Government Area Liaison Officers. It is believed that the appointees will protect the vote of PDP in the 23 local government areas, 319 electoral wards and 4442 polling units in the state.
They will also ensure that the PDP Presidential Candidate, Atiku Abubakar does not win any of the wards in the state unless Ayu steps down.
As part of the fence mending measures, Atiku engaged some party leaders, including former governors of the party, to negotiate with the aggrieved members.
It was learnt yesterday that the former vice president met some of the party leaders on how to ensure that the Wike camp returns to the fold and help ensure they work together during the polls.
Confirming the development, spokesperson for the Atiku’s campaign organisation, Kola Ologbondiyan, disclosed that the campaign train has been put on hold to iron out some grey areas.
“The campaign for Kebbi and Zamfara was rescheduled. The campaign is fully on course. PDP and our candidate, His Excellency Atiku Abubakar, are fully focused on rescuing Nigeria from the utter maladministration of the APC.”
