I’ve accepted Atiku as presidential candidate but Ayu must go – Wike insists

By Christiana Ekpa

Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State has reiterated the call to remove Iyorchia Ayu as the National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.

Wike explained that he has accepted Atiku Abubakar as the presidential candidate of PDP and Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Rivers State as the party’s running mate, but Ayu must resign.

He pointed out that Ayu’s resignation was the only precursor for reconciliation in the party.

The governor spoke while hosting the Cross River candidates for governorship, senatorial, House of Representatives, House of Assembly elections, and local government party chairmen at his private residence in Rumueprikom.

A statement by Wike’s Special Assistant, Media, Kelvin Ebiri, quoted him as saying: “We have finished presidential primaries, we have a presidential candidate. Is Wike saying remove presidential candidate? Is Wike saying remove vice and presidential candidate? So, what are you begging me for? All I am saying, and I will continue to say is that you have taken president, give us (national) chairman.

“Nobody wants to speak the truth. If I am saying remove the presidential candidate, if I am saying remove the vice-presidential candidate, then you will say why is he doing this.

“I’ve accepted the presidential candidate, I have accepted the vice-presidential candidate, what’s the problem again. You, fulfil your part. Let the South have something, that is all I’m preaching. You cannot have a presidential candidate, national chairman, director general of the campaign.

“He (national chairman) said if the presidential candidate comes from the north, he will resign , which means he has had this in mind. Now, the thing has come to reality, now resign, no. And people are saying go and talk to Wike.”