By Eyo Nsima
Finally, Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State and his allies in the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, have abandoned the campaign Council of the party’s Presidential Candidate, Alh. Atiku Abubakar.

The leaders, who disclosed this during their meeting held at the country home of Wike in Port Harcourt, Rivers state, insisted on the resignation of the party’s National Chairman, Iyorchia Ayu.

According to them, there would be no support for Atiku until Ayu vacate the number one office of the party to allow an acting Chairman from the South part of the country.

The former Deputy National Chairman of the party, Chief Olabode George, who read the resolution, stated: “We resolve that we are deeply concerned by the division in our party. We are aware that over the years our party has developed conflict resolution mechanisms that guarantee inclusiveness. The published presidential campaign council list translates to putting the cart before the horse. The pertinent issue remains the resolution of the leadership which is a departure of
“Senator Iyorchia Ayu must resign as the National Chairman of the party for an acting Chairman of the Southern Nigerian extraction to emerge and lead the party on the national campaign. Consequently, we resolve not to participate in the campaign council in whatever capacity until the resignation of Dr. Iyorchia Ayu”.

Similarly, former Plateau State Governor, Senator Jonah Jang, also said: “For a National Chairman, Senator Iyorchia Ayu to go and embrace Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Tanbuwal, calling him the hero of the convention meant that there was a private arrangement that was done with Tambuwal to shortchange other contestants including Governor Wike.

“Here was a referee, who helped one of his sides to score a goal and then blew the whistle. This is not what we formed the PDP to do for Nigerians. Therefore, we unequivocally ask that Ayu must step down”.