Wike, Allies Shun Akwa Ibom As PDP Flags Off Presidential Campaign

Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State and his allies, Governors Okezie Ikpeazu and Seyi Makinde of Abia and Oyo states respectively were absent as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) flagged off its presidential campaign in Akwa Ibom state on Monday.

The PDP has been embroiled in crisis after Wike lost the party’s presidential primary to Atiku.

Wike, who has consistently asked that the party’s national chairman, Iyorchia Ayu resigns, has also refused to be pacified.

He has also shunned the party’s activities, indicating that he won’t support Atiku’s presidential ambition.

The governor and his camp insist that Ayu must step down before they rescind their decision not to support Atiku.

PDP Flags Off Presidential Campaign

The PDP flag-off took place at the Nest of Champions Stadium in Uyo, the state capital.

Dignitaries that attended the flag-off included the party’s presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, his running mate cum Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, and Akwa Ibom State Governor, Udom Emmanuel.

Others are Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, his Adamawa counterpart, Ahmadu Fintiri, former Rivers State Senator, Lee Maeba and the former lawmaker representing Kogi West, Dino Melaye amongst other officials.

Thousands stormed the Uyo stadium as PDP kicked off their presidential campaign.

Below are pictures from the venue:

Recall that Governor Wike had earlier asserted that peace was most important, adding that PDP is united.