Hours after Atiku visit, Bauchi governor meets with Wike, Ortom, Ikpeazu

Nyesom Wike, governor of Rivers, has met with his Bauchi counterpart, Bala Mohammed.

The meeting took place on Wednesday at the government house in Bauchi.

Three other governors — Samuel Ortom of Benue, Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia, and Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu — were also at the meeting.

The governors, including Seyi Makinde of Oyo, are calling for the resignation of Iyorchia Ayu, national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) — a demand that has polarised the party.

The development comes hours after Atiku Abubakar, presidential candidate of the PDP, met with Mohammed in Abuja.

Mohammed had threatened to leave the party’s presidential campaign council after accusing Bauchi politicians loyal to Abubakar of working against his re-election bid.

Speaking on behalf of his colleagues on Wednesday, Wike said he came with the governors to see areas they can help Mohammed in his re-election bid.

“We came to solidarise with our friend, the governor of Bauchi state,” the Rivers governor said.

“I know he is seeking re-election and what we are doing is to look at our colleagues who are in need of our support. This visit will afford us the opportunity to discuss with him on areas of advice.

“Bala has done a lot in Bauchi and I know Bauchi people will vote for him again in 2023. What affects him, affects us. That is why we came.

“The people of Bauchi will still vote for him to come back for a second term.

“We are no longer running for the second tenure even though some of us are going for senate tickets in their respective states. I am the only one who is not running for any election after failing the presidential primary.”