Atiku Camp Tackle Wike, Ortom, Others, Expand Plot to Edo, Lagos, Ekiti

The camp of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has intensified plots to neutralize the stronghold of Governor Nyesom Wike-led G-5 governors in their respective states.

However, several attempts to resolve the crisis in the main opposition party have failed as the G-5 governors and the Integrity group have continued to insist on the resignation of the party’s National Chairman, Senator Iyorchia Ayu, for a condition to back Atiku’s presidential bid.

Members of the Integrity Group include: Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State; Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State; Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State; Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State;

former Governor Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti; Chief Olabode George; former Governor Donald Duke of Cross Rivers; Chief Dan Orbih; PDP Deputy National Chairman, Taofeek Arapaja; and many others.

Loyalists of the PDP presidential candidate now feel the opposition must secure the support of more PDP chieftains and members in the concerned states to boost their chances of winning next year’s election.

According to sources, Atiku camp has started recruiting party chieftains across the southern states where there are fears that the Atiku/Ayu combination as a presidential candidate and party chairman is not in the best interest of the south.

Benue State

Atiku’s allies are said to be determined to take control of Benue State from Governor Ortom, vowing not to allow anyone to rubbish Ayu in his home state.

Ayu, who is from Benue State, is being backed by other chieftains in the state including, Senator Gabriel Suswam, Senator Abba Moro, Professor Iyorwuese Hagher, Mrs. Margaret Ichen, and Hon. Chille Igbawua.

source told The Nation that, “Benue is a PDP state with numerous PDP leaders scattered all over the state. Ortom is just one of them,” the source said.

“With the National Chairman and our Senators ready to support Atiku, the party is strongly behind him and he will do well in Benue state next year.”

But Ortom supporters have accused Atiku and his allies of seeking the support of “politicians who cannot win elections” to work against the Benue governor.