The official inauguration of the People’s Democratic Party’s (PDP) presidential campaign council took place on Wednesday without the party’s national chairman and a few governors who are PDP supporters.
Additionally, it served as a launch event for three books on Atiku Abubakar’s leadership style and contributions to Nigeria’s democratic and constitutional development.
The Atiku Abubakar Story, The Atiku Abubakar Landmark Constitutional Law Cases, and Restructuring as a pathway for unity and development are the titles of the books.
Atiku is the presidential candidate of the PDP.
The absentee governors include Nyesom Wike Of Rivers State, Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, Samuel Ortom of Benue and Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State.
Prof. Jerry Gana was also absent at the event.
However, those present at the event include Delta State Governor and vice-presidential candidate of the PDP for the 2023 election, Ifeanyi Okowa; Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki; Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Fintiri; Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed; Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri; Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Tambuwal and Akwa Ibom Governor, Udom Emmanuel.
A host of other party chieftains were present at the event including former Senate Presidents Bukola Saraki and David Mark.
Wike and Atiku have been at loggerheads since the party held its presidential primary election in May. The election was won by Atiku, but Wike has alleged that there was a gang-up against him, identifying the National Chairman of the party, Iyorchia Ayu as one of those allegedly involved.
Wike and some other chieftains of the party in Southern Nigeria have since called on Ayu to resign from office to give room for someone from the southern region to take over, for the sake of fairness.
Both Atiku and Ayu are northerners. Ayu has, however, refused to resign.
