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Politics & Governance

Top PDP Leaders Who Boycotted Atiku’s Campaign Flag Off In Akwa Ibom

The crack within the people’s democratic party, PDP, appears to have become more pronounced following the decision of some party leaders to stay away from the party’s presidential campaign which kicked off on Monday in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

The party officially set off its journey to Aso Rock with a mammoth crowd that greeted the official commencement of the campaign.

Despite the rousing welcome given to the presidential candidate of the opposition party, Atiku Abubakar and his running mate, Ifeanyi Okowa, it was obvious that the absence of Governor Wike and some top leaders of the party from the Southern part of the country was conspicuous.

Apart from Wike, other leaders of the party who were not at the event include Abia State Governor, Okezie Ikpeazu, Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, and Enugu State Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi. In the same vein, Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom boycotted the event. 

Also missing at the occasion are some of the former governors who are backing Governor Wike on his call for Iyorchia Ayu to drop the mantle as party’s chairman.

Among them include former governor Olusegun Mimiko of Ondo State, Donald Duke of Cross Rivers and a host of other former federal government functionaries who are in alliance with the Rivers state governor.

Their absence may not be unconnected with the Wike camp’s insistence on the resignation of PDP National Chairman, Iyorchia Ayu.

The Wike camp has argued that it is unethical for the PDP to have a northern PDP presidential candidate and National Chairman, noting that it does not reflect the national character of the party.

They have also alleged that Ayu promised to resign after the PDP presidential primaries if a northerner emerged as candidate.

Ayu however has vowed to stay on as National Chairman and Atiku’s spokespersons have hinted that the presidential candidate has no intention or the power to force Ayu’s removal.

Wike camp had in September announced its withdrawal from the Atiku presidential campaign until Ayu resigns.

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Seun Akin

Seun Johnson is a professional journalist and proficient media strategist with over 10 years of consistent work experience. He is Verse in content creation and versatile in editorial administration with a deep knowledge in digital, print and broadcast journalism.

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