PDP Crisis: ‘Why G-5 Governors Are Against Atiku, Ayu’

Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, Governor of Abia State, has stated that the decision not to support the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, is simply an agitation for inclusiveness, fairness, and equity by the group of five governors (G-5) led by Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike.

WITHIN NIGERIA reports that the G-5 governors, which include Ikpeazu, Wike, Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom, Enugu State Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, and Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, have pulled out of Atiku’s campaign, demanding the resignation or removal of PDP National Chairman Iyorchia Ayu.

During a local TV interview in Aba, Abia State, Ikpeazu stated that their agitation is not only about the 2023 elections, but also about efforts to strengthen mutual trust and fairness throughout the country.

According to the Governor, the Integrity Group’s agitation is also about integrity and keeping promises, which he says are lacking in the country’s current political system.

He said:

There is an issue, issue of integrity, issue of keeping promises, issue of making sure that if we say after me, it’s you, and when that time comes, it happens.

It will stabilize us as a country, engender social mobilization sufficient to tackle our security problems, tackle the economic problems, tackle other problems that confront us in this country.

Social mobilization is the most critical ingredient today beyond anything, inclusiveness, integrity, mutual respect, trust.

So G-5 speaks to a new paradigm. It is beyond 2023. It speaks about a new paradigm. In 2027, I will still want a system that will include everybody irrespective of what the outcome of the 2023 elections may be.

Ikpeazu said that the G-5 Governors are standing to speak up for those in the North, South, and others believed to be discriminated against in the nation’s power play.

He said:

We are saying, we want a strong North that respects the South, just as we want a strong South that has respect for the North.

That way, our full capacities can be deployed to solve our problems.