G-5 Governors split, battle to save political careers ahead of elections

A report by Vanguard indicates that the G-5 governors in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have endorsed different presidential candidates after failing to collectively agree on who to support.

The Governor Nyesom Wike-led group had hinted at the possibility of backing a single presidential candidate other than PDP's Atiku Abubakar should the party's national chairman, Senator Iyiorchia Ayu remain in office.

They have consistently argued that the PDP constitution provides that party and elective positions be zoned between northern Nigeria and the southern part of the country.

Having realised that their choice of candidates may either promote or adversely affect their individual political fortunes, the governors have settled for candidates they believe would advance their chances.

Aside from Wike who is not contesting for any electoral position, his four other colleagues are on the ballot.

While Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo is seeking a second term in office, Governors Samuel Ortom of Benue, Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia and Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu are contesting to be senators.

Makinde and Wike are being speculated to have given tacit support for the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Bola Tinubu.

Ortom has not hidden his preference for Peter Obi and he has publicly endorsed the Labour Party presidential candidate.

A top-ranking member of the party, who pleaded anonymity said Ikpeazu and Ugwuanyi are fully backing Atiku.

His words: “I can tell you, both Ugwuanyi and Ikpeazu have agreed in principle to give Atiku the requisite support to win in their respective states”