Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
Frontline presidential aspirant of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Gov. Nyesom Wike of Rivers State, has said that members of the party who sabotaged its in 2015 should not be rewarded with the party’s presidential ticket in 2023.
Wike said that all those involved in the formation of the New PDP which adversely affected the party’s fortunes should not be allowed to fly the party’s flag in the 2023 polls.
Wike who spoke while addressing Abia PDP delegates and stakeholders at the Banquet Hall Umuahia, said PDP should look at the antecedents of all those jostling for its presidential flag.
He said time had come for the party to reject all those who had worked against it in the past.
“When they ask you to vote for them, ask them of those who worked against PDP in 2015? Who are those that formed New PDP in 2015?
“Who are those who told Nigerians that Buhari was the Messiah? Who were those who made PDP to lose election that we are now struggling to get back to power?”
Wike urged the delegates to weigh the integrity and character of all aspirants to know those who are fair weather members.
“I have been in PDP since 1998. When the party wanted to die I helped in sustaining the party. If there were no PDP which platform will all these people now be struggling for its ticket?
“What we need is somebody with capacity; somebody who can withstand APC. Forget about my face or my voice. I’m the only one who can win APC.
“I have done it before in Rivers. When they came with their GOC and armoured tank, I told them to go and bring US Marine. We still won them.”
Earlier in a remark, former Governor of Gombe State, Hassan Dankwambo, said the situation of Nigeria today requires somebody very prepared to navigate the country out of the woods.
The former Governor who said he had served under four Presidents noted that none of them had the capacity and courage that Nigeria needed to move forward as could be seen in Wike.
“The only problem people have with Wike is that he is too straightforward and hits any problem by the head.
“He is the kind of person that Nigeria requires.”
The former Governor urged the delegates to vote for Wike at the primaries.
Responding, Gov. Okezie Ikpeazu, described Wike as a man with capacity, and assured him of the total support of Abia delegates.
“When I stand, I stand well. I don’t bend. I don’t hide where I belong. I’m fully with Wike.”
