ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- The Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, has mocked the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar over former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s endorsement of Labour Party’s Peter Obi presidential bid.
Recall that Atiku was Vice President during the Obasanjo administration between 1999-2007.
But, on Sunday, the former Nigerian President recommended the former Governor of Anambra State for the country’s number one seat in 2023.
The Rivers State Governor describes the move as “there is something fundamentally wrong”.
“I was praying that Obasanjo should not say anything. When I saw the letter last night, I was touched. If your principal cannot recommend you, then there is something fundamentally wrong,”
Wike stated this on Monday at the flag-off of the construction of Akpabu-Odido Road in Emohua and Ahoada West local government areas.
“After all, you people went to see your principal to lobby him to recommend you. It took your principal a long time before he now wrote a letter to all Nigerians.”
He added: “Look, I am not too comfortable [with Atiku]’. I am not bothered about other people but this one [Obasanjo] worked with you and he knows [why he took that decision].”
Wike, who fell out with the former Vice president Atiku, following the PDP presidential primary in May, is leading a group of Governors called the G-5.
The group has pulled out of the party’s presidential campaign, arguing that PDP’s National Chairman Iyorchia Ayu (from the northern region) should quit for equity and fairness.
The former Minister and his group were accused of frustrating the party’s move to microzone the PDP’s presidential ticket to the South-East in the lead-up to the primary election, as efforts to reconcile them with the party have failed.
“So, I am not the one who said this one or that one. Everyone should carry their problems and go where their problems are,” Wike added.
“Leave me alone. Leave Ortom alone. Leave G-5 Governors alone. Face your problem where your problem is.”