The rift between the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar and the five aggrieved party governors played out yesterday as Governors Samuel Ortom and Nyesom Wike avoided Atiku at the Makurdi Airport in Benue State.
Atiku had flown into Benue State enroute to Nasarawa State for his presidential campaign on Monday.
However, according to Channels TV website, about 20 minutes before Atiku’s arrival, Benue State Governor Ortom arrived at the Airport.
But about five minutes later, a plane carrying the PDP vice presidential candidate, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State, landed at the Airport. He exchanged pleasantries with Governor Ortom.
According to the Channels TV website, Ortom was heard asking his Delta counterpart, “So, you people will come to my state without telling me?”
Not long after, another jet carrying Rivers State governor, Nyesom Wike landed. Ortom swiftly moved towards it to receive him.
The governors hugged, exchanged pleasantries, entered their vehicle and zoomed off.
Atiku however arrived at the airport 20 minutes later alongside members of the Presidential Campaign Council and the PDP national chairman.
But he was received by Governor Okowa and other party members; the absence of Ortom and Wike is a strong indication that the rift remains far from over.
This incident comes a day after Atiku Abubakar said he has met with Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State to resolve the lingering crisis within the party without any way forward.
Speaking on Sunday during the People’s Townhall, Atiku said “I have met Wike two times in Port Harcourt, two times in Abuja, one time in London, personally.”
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