PDP Crisis: Atiku reacts to Wike's reconciliation statement, reveals what Rivers gov, others should do

Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has welcomed the statement by the Rivers state governor, Nyesom Wike, that his group, G-5, has not closed the door to reconciliation.

Wike and four of his colleagues, Samuel Ortom of Benue state, Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia state, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu state, and Seyi Makinde of Oyo state, are demanding the resignation of the PDP national chairman, Dr Iyorchia Ayu.

G-5 governors eye reconciliation PDP presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar has welcomed reports that Governor Wike and his group are favourably disposed to the resolution of the party's internal crisis.

The basis of their demand is that since Atiku, a northerner, is the PDP presidential candidate, the national chairmanship seat should be occupied by a southerner.

However, Ayu refused to resign, making Wike and his camp opt out of Atiku's campaign.

After weeks of intense verbal attacks, Wike, on Wednesday, November 9, soft-pedaled during the G-5's visit to Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi.

The Rivers state governor said he and his aggrieved colleagues were still open to reconciliation with the party's leadership ahead of the 2023 general election.

Reacting through his media aide, Paul Ibe, Atiku expressed his commitment to a negotiation that would resolve the crisis of confidence and pave the way for a much stronger and united PDP, ThisDay reported.

The former vice president said never at any time of the differences between them had the doors been shut to Governor Wike and his group. The former Vice President enjoined every leader of the party and their supporters, irrespective of their leanings, to be open-minded and support the process of resolution of the issues.