Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, has expressed readiness to resolve the lingering crisis in the party.
Daily Report Nigeria gathered that Atiku is set to negotiate with the G5 governors who are insisting on the removal of the PDP Chairman, Iyorchia Ayu.
Reports indicated that the aggrieved governors had thrown open the door of reconciliation, with Atiku immediately pledging his readiness to negotiate with them in the overall interest of the party.
In a statement signed by his Media Adviser, Paul Ibe, the presidential candidate said he was excited over reports that Wike and his group “are favourably disposed to the resolution of the issues with the PDP candidate.”
It read in part:
“Atiku Abubakar expresses his commitment to a negotiation that will resolve the crisis of confidence and pave the way for a much stronger and united PDP.
“The former Vice-President of Nigeria notes that never at any time of the differences that have ensued have the doors been shut to Governor Wike and his group.
“He enjoins every leader of the party and their supporters irrespective of their leanings to be open-minded and support the process of resolution of the extant issues.”
Atiku gave an assurance that the lingering crisis in the PDP will be resolved and the party will come out stronger.
Atiku, who gave this assurance when he visited Minna on Friday for a high-powered meeting, said the crisis was a family quarrel that would be resolved.
He said:
“It is a family quarrel and we believe that we will resolve it before the elections and you will see a very united and strong PDP that will face the elections.”
The presidential candidate also stated that his camp would not be weary of reaching out to the G-5 governors, adding that they were family members and would resolve their differences.
He said:
“We have always engaged the five governors and we will continue to engage them.”
Atiku also described the recent attack on his convoy in Borno State as unfortunate and accused the political leadership in the state of sponsoring the attack.
He said:
“The Borno incident is unfortunate and the whole thing was sponsored by the political leadership in the state.”
Atiku also stated that it was wrong to sign a peace pact and go against the agreement.
He said:
“It is most unfortunate that this is happening when a peace accord was signed.”
Members of his entourage included his running mate, Governor of Delta State, Ifeanyi Okowa; the Director-General of his campaign council and Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Tambuwal; Taraba State Governor, Darius Ishaku; a former governor of Adamawa State, Senator Boni Haruna; a former governor of Imo State, Emeka Ihedioha; a former Jigawa State governor, Sule Lamido; and a former Niger State Governor, Dr Babangida Aliyu.
Others are Ali Gusau, Senator Ben Obi, Senator Dino Melaye, Senator Abdul Ningi and the Niger State PDP Chairman and executive members of the party in the state.
