Governor Nyesin Wike insists Ayu must go, as PDP crisis fester
The crisis in the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) may not be resolved anytime soon, as Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike demands the immediate resignation of the National Chairman, Senator Iyorchia Ayu, and an end to the plot to undermine his close allies, including Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom and former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose and others.
Governor Wike was said to have become enraged yesterday evening after learning that Senator Ayu was planning to use his position as national chairman to undermine the likes of Fayose, Ortom, and others in their respective States.
The governor is also said to be insisting that Senator Ayu resign in accordance with what he claims was agreed upon prior to his (Ayu’s) appointment as the national chairman.
A close ally of the Rivers State Governor told newsmen that while the governor is not opposed to dialogue, he will not meet with the PDP Presidential Candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, one-on-one.
Governor Wike’s ally, who preferred anonymity, confirmed that Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, Governor Ortom, Fayose, former Governor of Gombe, Ibrahim Dankwambo, and former Governor of Cross River, Donald Duke have been named to his strategy team.
“The strategy team will be responsible for holding talks with Atiku and his men.
“Also, Governor is insisting that Ayu must step down from his position as national chairman since the party has picked its presidential candidate from the North.
“Wike is of the opinion that the North cannot have both the presidential candidate of the PDP and national chairman at the same time.
“He is also watching events in some State chapters of the party, especially where his allies are involved. He told some of his men yesterday that should anything be done to undermine the interest of his allies because of their support for him, even his team will no longer be available for any peace talks.
“For instance, look at what they did Ekiti during the governorship election. Look at how those at Wadata abandoned the party in Ekiti just because of Fayose’s support for Governor Wike. He (Wike) is has said that he will no longer sit back and allow any of his allies to be undermined under any guise,” he said.
