The Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar has reportedly been advised by his supporters to move on with his campaign without the Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike.
Governor Wike on several occasions had threatened not to support Atiku if his demands are not met.
Part of the demands of the Rivers State Governor is for the National Chairman of the party, Iyorchia Ayu, to resign and hand over power to someone from the South-West.
Atiku, however, is mindful of calling Wike’s bluff considering his influence among major stakeholders in the party, including some governors.
A source that spoke with Daily Sun said Atiku wants Ayu to leave but he is afraid of having a new party chairman three weeks to campaign
The source said, “The truth is that at the moment, the Turaki is confused on how to rein in Governor Wike. Though he is not comfortable with his excesses, he is also being careful to call his bluff given what he can do to his (Atiku) ambition.
Ordinarily, he would like Ayu to go for there to be peace but he is also afraid of going for a new national chairman just three weeks to campaigns.
As we speak, there is so much pressure on Atiku to ignore Wike and carry on with his plans for the election but he is conscious of the possible backlash. You know that even in his recalcitrant posture, Wike still has many stakeholders behind him.
Wike that I know is not somebody afraid of a fight. He is just like when you marry a beautiful but quarrelsome wife. Even though she is giving you trouble virtually every day, you are reluctant to sack her because you still find her attractive.”
The source added that supporters of Atiku are calling on him to decide, “Wike should join the train or be left out.”
