PDP crisis: We’re still open to reconciliation, says Wike

Nyesom Wike, governor of Rivers, says he and his allies are still open to reconciliation with the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Wike spoke after he met with Bala Mohammed, governor of 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 five governors have also pulled out of the PDP presidential campaign.

“I have stated severally that we are here for reconciliation. We have never closed the door for reconciliation. All we are calling for is equity, fairness, and justice,” Wike said.

“In fact, that is the hallmark that PDP stands for. We have never closed the door and we would not close the door.

“All we are saying is, ‘look, let the right thing be done.’ If the right thing is done, the whole country would know that the election is over.

“This G5 you are seeing is the bedrock of the party, so we would not close the door for reconciliation; we are open for reconciliation any day, anytime.”

Wike’s visit to his Bauchi counterpart came hours after Atiku Abubakar, presidential candidate of the PDP,  met with Mohammed in Abuja.

The Bauchi governor had threatened to leave the PDP presidential campaign council after accusing Bauchi politicians loyal to Abubakar of working against his re-election bid.