By Gbemiga Olamikan
The Governors of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have commenced moves to reconcile the party presidential candidate in the 25 February election, Atiku Abubakar, with the G-5 Governors, led by Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State.
The two camps remained at loggerheads until the elections, which Atiku lost, while Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike continued to push for power to return to the South. PDP Governors Forum hope to bring Atiku and the G-5 Governors under the same roof since they parted ways before the general election. Recall that the G-5 Governors had called for the resignation of suspended chairman Iyorchia Ayu. They contended that it was unfair to the South for the presidential candidate and the party chairman to come from the same regional bloc. The planned reunion is scheduled to hold at the Abuja Transcorp Hilton Hotel.
However, the G-5 Governors listed to attend the event are Wike, Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Samuel Ortom (Benue), Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia) and Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu). Others are Udom Emmanuel (Akwa Ibom), Ifeanyi Okowa (Delta), Darius Ishaku (Taraba), Bala Mohammed (Bauchi) and Ahmadu Fintiri (Adamawa).
Also PDP Governors-elect expected at the event also include Umo Bassey Eno (Akwa Ibom), Peter Mbah (Enugu), Agbu Kefas (Taraba), Siminalayi Fubara (Rivers), Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta) Dauda Lawal (Zamfara) and Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau).
Director General of the PDP Governors Forum, C.I.D. Maduabum said the event will serve as an opportunity for PDP leaders, stakeholders and members to come together for the first time after the general election. Maduabum added that the event will also give the Governors the opportunity to organize a welcome/reception programme for all PDP governors-elect and those re-elected for a second term. It will also serve as a send-forth ceremony for the outgoing ones.
The statement reads: “This event will feature a discussion on ‘good governance at the sub-national level: issues, perspectives, expectations and outcomes’, which will lay out the challenges facing governance at the sub-national level and possible solutions.
“It is to be presented by Dr. Muda Yusuf, a renowned economist, as a guest speaker.
“It is expected to be a star-studded event as invitations have been extended to the Acting PDP National Chairman, Alhaji Umar Iliya Damagum and members of the PDP National Working Committee; Alhaji Atiku Abubakar; Namadi Sambo, former Vice President; former PDP governors, current and former PDP presiding/principal officers of the National Assembly, party leaders, stakeholders, friends and well-wishers.”
