ATIKU BATTLES TO AVERT PDP’s COLLAPS, WIKE'S LOYALIST THREATEN DEFECTION.

Atiku battles to avert PDP’s collapse, Wike’s loyalists threaten defection

The crisis rocking the Peoples Democratic Party ahead of the 2023 general election has worsened with the loyalists of the Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike threatening to leave the party if their principal (Wike) defects.

Political leaders loyal to Wike, in separate interviews with The PUNCH on Thursday, warned the PDP that they were ready to mobilise other supporters of the governor to dump the nation’s main opposition party.

But the PDP’s standard-bearer, Atiku Abubakar, allayed fears over the crisis in the party, saying he would ensure reconciliation.

Atiku said this barely 24 hours after Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom accused him of failing to honour the democratic choice in the selection of his running mate.

Ortom also noted that Atiku failed to reach out to Wike and some other aggrieved members of the party after selecting the Delta State, Dr Godwin Okowa, as the vice-presidential candidate despite the recommendation of a 17-man selection committee which nominated Wike.

But Atiku moved to douse the tension, saying efforts were being made to resolve the grievances of party members.

Tweeting via his official Twitter handle @Atiku on Thursday, the PDP presidential candidate assured that “appropriate actions have been taken, are being taken, and will continue to be advanced.