While the cloud of opposition to Iyorche Ayu remained thick ahead of today’s decisive NEC meeting of the PDP, Nyesom Wike was absent as Atiku Abubakar met the 2023 presidential aspirants of the party at his Asokoro, Abuja residence.
Present at the meeting was the publisher of Ovation Magazine, Dele Momodu; former managing director of the now-defunct FSB International Bank, Mohammed Hayatu-Deen; the only female aspirant, Tariela Oliver, and Charles Ugwu.
The PDP’s standard bearer appreciated them for accepting with good fate the outcome of the convention that produced him as the party’s candidate.
Also absent at the meeting were Akwa Ibom State governor, Udom Emmanuel, former Ekiti State governor, Ayodele Fayose; former Senate presidents, Anyim Pius Anyim and Bukola Saraki, as well as Bala Mohammed, the Bauchi State governor.
Atiku at the meeting promised to work with all of them ahead of the general elections, adding that they have various roles to play in his victory at the polls.
No reason was given for the absence of the key aspirants from the meeting, which was the first to be convened since the conclusion of the primary.
Atiku had earlier met with a delegation of PDP leaders from Niger State, led by former Minister of Information, Prof Jerry Gana.
In his remarks, Gana said they were in Atiku’s house to congratulate him and to assure him of their support as well as a commitment toward ensuring that he wins Niger State.
Gana also disclosed that much success is being achieved with the ongoing reconciliation between Atiku and Wike.
Source: Guardian