Wike receiving Atiku, Govs. Ikpeazu, Ortom, Makinde and ex-Gov Fayose in London
2023: Wike turns bride in London
Ahead of the 2023 General Elections, the Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, who lost the ticket of the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has now turned political bride in faraway London, as no fewer than three major political blocs have approached him seeking alliances.
Wike days earlier was at the receiving end of a lashing from former Jigawa State Governor, Sule Lamido who had advised Dr Atiku to call the bluff of the Rivers State Governor, was met in London by Atiku himself, while apologizing on behalf of the Jigawa chieftain of the party.
Since losing the PDP presidential ticket and Vice Presidential slot, Wike has continued to lay the mines in the path of the main opposition PDP through controversial invitations to and meeting with high-profile members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), while also attacking members of his party.
Since, relocating to London on a visit, Wike has openly and secretly welcomed several political groups at his abode.
This week alone, the rivers State Governor has met with the camp of the APC presidential standard bearer, Asiwaju Bola Ahned Tinubu, including meeting the candidate in person.
Later, Wike also played host to former President, Olusegun Obasanjo, Thursday, who led the Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and others in London.
These meetings are coming barely 24 hours after the Tinubu met with Wike and others in London.
On Thursday, Wike met Atiku in company of Governors Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Samuel Ortom (Benue), Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia) and Ahmadu Fintri (Adamawa).
Wike has since, Friday afternoon, returned to Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital.
Meanwhile, reacting to the development at the Port Harcourt airport on arrival from London, Wike confirmed the meetings with Atiku, Obi and Obasanjo, and also Tinubu, as he told journalists that the ‘discussions centred on non-partisan topics, but on issues affecting everyone in the country.’
According to him, ‘Nigeria’s leadership is bigger than one person or group,’ further noting that ‘the ultimate plan is to make the country a better place for all in 2023.’
“I can confirm that this is the first time as a team that we are meeting with presidential candidates. We met with the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC and we met with our leader, former president of Nigeria, Olusegun Obasanjo.
“We met the presidential candidate of Labour Party. We also met with our presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar. For whatever it’s worth, consultation is ongoing.
“Whatever we are talking about, is for the interest of Nigeria and Nigerians. It is not parochial and tied to one person or group of persons. We believe that with what is going on. It will be for the interest of Nigerians at the end of the day.
“But with our consultation, all these will be a thing of the past. No amount of intimidation or blackmail will deter us. We are determined to right the wrong,” Wike said.
The Rivers Governor, however, vowed that no amount of blackmail can make him turn back and give up in the battle to make Nigeria great again.
