Wike, four other governors absent as PDP flags off presidential campaign

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has officially kicked off its campaign for the 2023 presidential election. 

The campaign was flagged off on Monday at the Godswill International Stadium in Uyo, the capital of Akwa Ibom.

Those present at the event include Iyorchia Ayu, national chairman of the PDP; Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate; and his running mate, Ifeanyi Okowa.

Others are former senate presidents David Mark, Bukola Saraki, and Anyim Pius Anyim.

Governors at the venue include Godwin Obaseki of Edo, Douye Diri of Bayelsa, Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto, Darius Ishaku of Taraba, and Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri of Adamawa.

However, Nyesom Wike governor of Rivers, and his allies, including — Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia, Samuel Ortom of Benue, Seyi Makinde of Oyo and Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu, were absent from the event.

Udom Emmanuel, governor of Akwa Ibom and chairman of the campaign council, said the PDP is flagging off “the hope for Nigerians”.

He said the campaign will be anchored on what the major opposition party will do for Nigerians if elected in 2023.