South-West PDP backs Atiku after G5 ‘defiance’

The South-West caucus of the Peoples Democratic Party has expressed readiness to work for the victory of the presidential candidate of the party, Atiku Abubakar, in the February 25th general elections.

This is coming barely 24 hours after the Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, said the G-5 governors had crossed the rubicon and were no longer disposed to brokering peace with the PDP national leadership.

Wike explained that contrary to insinuations that the G-5 governors were working at cross-purposes, the group, he maintained, had remained intact and their impact would be felt in the aftermath of the February 25 presidential election.

The governor made this assertion during a media chat in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, on Thursday.

But rising from a zonal strategic committee meeting of the party hosted by Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, in Ede, Osun State, the group in a communique obtained in Osogbo on Friday, stated their resolve to intensify campaign for Atiku in every part of the region to ensure his victory at the poll.

The communique was signed by the Zonal Liaison Desk Officer Southwest, Dr. Eddy Olafeso, Ondo State Chairman, Mr. Fatai Adams, Ekiti State Caretaker Chairman, Mr. Sadiq Obanoyen, Osun State Caretaker Chairman, Dr. Akindele Adekunle, Ogun State Chairman, Mr. Sikirulai Ogundele, Lagos State Chairman, Mr. Philip Awoji and Mr. Femi Babalola, representing Oyo State.

The party warned against anti-party activity in whatever form across the region and charged members nationally to strengthen the cord of mobilization for victory in the general elections.

It further read in parts, “That the South West region is determined to vote for the PDP Presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar for several reasons namely: His agenda of restructuring resonates and align with the aspirations of our region.

“The PDP candidate has the best economic agenda among the contenders to revive Nigeria as a unified and prosperous nation. His experience is needed now to take back the country from the mess and chaos APC has plunged it into. His national outlook is required as a bridge builder to make Nigeria great again.”