Bola Tinubu receives positive offer from PDP governors

Bola Tinubu, the presidential candidate of the APC, has received positive offers from the G5 governors of the PDP led by Governor Nyesom Wike.

Tinubu had met the G-5 governors; Nyesom Wike (Rivers), Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Samuel Ortom (Benue), Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia) and Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu), at his London residence on Wednesday.

In attendance from the side of Tinubu included the Governor of Jigawa State, Badaru Abubakar, and former governor of Ekiti State, John Kayode Fayemi.

Other persons present at Tinubu’s residence were excused before the commencement of the meeting.

After the meeting, Daily Trust quoted an impeccable source to have said “We have agreed to work together with the G5. The agreement rhythm with our desire to forge together a government of national unity.

“When the history of this political epoch is written, the names of Wike, Ortom, Makinde, Ugwuanyi, and Ikpeazu will be written in gold for the courageous decision to place national interest above all other considerations.”

The source also said that the governors are to remain in PDP and work for the actualization of Tinubu’s presidency while pursuing their other political interests.

Meanwhile, Bashir Ahmad, an aide to President Muhammadu Buhari, confirmed that the offer put before Tinubu by the five governors was ‘fantastically positive.’

“The offer put forward by the five governors was fantastically positive. That will definitely help us to seal our eminent victory in 2023. Let’s do it together,” Ahmad stated.

Femi Fani-Kayode, a member of the APC presidential campaign council, also said at least six PDP governors will declare their support for Tinubu in January.

Meanwhile, the PDP has vowed to sanction any member that goes contrary to its laid-down rules and regulations no matter how highly placed.

Reacting to the romance of the governors with Tinubu, the National Publicity Secretary of the party, Debo Ologunagba, noted that the party will not spare any member that violates the constitution of the party.

“The PDP is a party of constitution, rules and procedures. We don’t react to speculations. In taking decisions, we look at the our party constitution in relation to issues. Whatever happens, it is the constitution that will guide the action we will take.

“These governors are conversant with the PDP constitution having sworn to uphold it. If they take that action (endorse a rival presidential candidate), we will take a decision in line with the provisions of the constitution.

“They have contributed to the success of the party and they have also benefited immensely from the party. They should know that the provisions of the constitution are applicable to every member of the party.

“Reconciliation is not a 100m dash but a marathon. We hope they will realize this and embrace the party for good,” Debo stated.

The crisis rocking the PDP revolves around the G5 governors.

Since former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar emerged as the flag bearer of their party, they have been calling for the resignation of the PDP national chairman, Iyorchia Ayu.

On his part, the Director of Strategic Communications, National Election Management Committee of the PDP Presidential Campaign Council, Chief Dele Momodu, said there was nothing new in the governors’ threat to endorse a presidential candidate of their choice.

He noted, “There is nothing new in this speculation. The party has done its best to resolve these issues all to no avail. So, what I can say now is that they should make their position official.

“We can’t continue like this. They have been issuing this threat since Governor Wike lost the primary election to Atiku Abubakar. As a party, we did our best to reconcile and forge a way forward. Atiku embraced the peace option but you can’t say the same of the other group.

“Talk of Iyorchia Ayu, the chairman of the party is an old story. Nobody is listening anymore. We are preparing for a major election and we are confident of victory. The PDP is too big to be distracted.

“We can’t respond to ‘ifs’. They should come up with their position on who they are supporting and then, we can address the issue. Let us wait for them and see what they come up with.”