2023: I accepted Atiku as presidential candidate but Ayu must resign - Wike insists

Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike has reiterated the call for the removal of Iyorchia Ayu as National Chairman of the People's Democratic Party, PDP.

Wike explained that he accepted Atiku Abubakar as the PDP presidential candidate and Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Rivers State as the party's running mate, but Ayu must resign.

He pointed out that Ayu's resignation was the only precursor to reconciliation within the party.

The Governor spoke while welcoming Cross River candidates running for Governor, Senate, House of Representatives, House of Assembly and Local Government Party Presidents in his private residence in Rumueprikom.

A statement from Wike's special assistant, Media, Kelvin Ebiri, quotes him as saying, "We're done with the presidential primaries, we have a presidential candidate. Is Wike saying to withdraw the presidential candidate? presidential? Is Wike saying remove the running mate for president? So what are you asking me? All I'm saying, and I will continue to say, is that you took the president, give us the (national) president.

“Nobody wants to tell the truth. If I say remove the presidential candidate, if I say remove the vice presidential candidate, then you will say why he is doing this.

“I accepted the candidate for president, I accepted the candidate for vice president, what is the problem again. I preach. You can't have a presidential candidate, national president, campaign general manager.

“He (the national president) said if the presidential candidate came from the north, he would resign, which means he had that in mind. Now the thing has come true, now resign, no. And people say go talk to Wike."