PDP crisis: Atiku, Wike’s reconciliation teams meet in Rivers

Members of committee constituted by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, and Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, have opened discussion with a view to resolving the crisis rocking the opposition party ahead of  next year’s election.

The committee comprise representatives from both camps met at Government House, Port Harcourt, on Friday.

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Representatives of Atiku were Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri of Adamawa State; Hon. Adamu Waziri and Hon. Eyitayo Jegede, two-time PDP governorship candidate in Ondo State.

While those on Wike’s team were former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mohammed Bello Adoke; former Governor of Cross River State, Donald Duke; former Governor of Ondo State, Olusegun Mimiko, and former Governor of Gombe State, Dr. Ibrahim Dankwambo.

Addressing journalists after their meeting, which lasted for about four hours, Fintiri said talks are ongoing to achieve desired objectives.

He expressed optimism that at the end of the day, the committee would broker peace, unify the party and Nigerians.

“We are aware that Nigerians are anxious and waiting for PDP to take over government in 2023. We have met as leaders, members of the same political family and we have opened discussion, work is in progress and we will continue.”

“At the end of the day, we will broker peace and we will unify the party and Nigerians,” Fintiri stated.

Also speaking, Mimiko said the committee would meet again to further deliberate on issues that need to be addressed.

“We have agreed that there is need for us to enhance unity within our party. This is a reconciliation process, there are some issues out there which needs further deliberation when the committees meet again.”

Atiku and Wike had agreed to constitute the committee at a meeting they held at the Abuja residence of former Minister of Information and National Orientation, Prof. Jerry Gana, few weeks ago.

Members of the committee later met with Governor Wike at his private residence in Rumueprikom.