As the Rivers State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) prepares to launch branded vehicles for the campaign, the picture of the party’s presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, is missing.
The Rivers State chapter of the PDP plans to unveil the branded vehicles on Monday (today), along with the party’s campaign council secretariat.
The secretariat of the party’s campaign council is located on Woji Road in GRA, Port Harcourt.
Former PDP Chairman in the state, Felix Obuah, has been appointed as the director-general, with the state Governor, Nyesom Wike, serving as the council’s chairman.
In an interview with the Leadership, a former member of the House of Representatives, Ogbonna Nwuke, stated that the fact that the campaign vehicles are customized in PDP colors confirms that Governor Wike and four other disgruntled governors are still members of the party.
Governors Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia), Samuel Ortom (Benue), Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu), and Seyi Makinde (Oyo) have threatened to withdraw their support for Atiku unless the party’s national chairman, Iyorchia Ayu, is removed.
“I haven’t seen the buses myself,” Nwuke said. When the campaign office opens to the public on Monday, I will have the opportunity to confirm it. It should not be surprising if, as you stated, the branded buses do not bear images of Atiku.
“Members of the G5 (Five PDP Governors) have pledged to stay in the PDP.” The fact that the buses are painted in PDP colors confirms their affiliation with the party.
“The G5 has officially withdrawn from the Atiku campaign council.” If, as you stated, the buses do not carry Atiku’s face, it is likely that the G5 states have kept their promise not to campaign for Atiku if he refuses to listen to calls for fair play in the PDP.”
He went on to say that the decision to remove Atiku’s image was made in order for Governor Wike and his campaign to stay out of the Atiku campaign.
The former lawmaker expressed hope that the PDP’s plan to reconcile disgruntled members will ensure inclusivity.