It was learned yesterday that Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State, his Oyo and Benue states counterparts – Seyi Makinde and Samuel Ortom – will boycott the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential campaign launch today in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State capital.
Recall that the three aggrieved governors had also shunned the inauguration of the campaign council at the Conference Centre, Abuja on September 28 along with their two colleagues – Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu) and Okezie Ikepeazu (Abia).
Also yesterday, Ortom said he would not succumb to intimidation and blackmail by supporters of PDP National Chairman Senator Iyorchia Ayu, who hails from Benue State.
Both Atiku and Ayu have maintained that resignation by Ayu should follow constitutional guidelines.
Makinde’s aide, who clarified that the Oyo governor will not attend the Uyo event, also emphasized that he will not be represented.
The aide, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said he could not speak for the other four governors.
He said: “I can confirm to you that my government will not be attending the campaigning-off. I can also say that I don’t see any of his four other colleagues in the same camp attending.
“You may recall that the five of them boycotted the official inauguration of the PDP Presidential Campaign Council in Abuja a few days ago. And if the five governors did not attend the Abuja inauguration, I don’t see any of them attending the Uyo event”.
