Rivers State Governor, Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, has said, he would have won the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) 2023 presidential primaries “if they had allowed it to be what it is supposed to be”, however, he also declared, despite not clinching the 2023 presidential ticket for the party, he has no “regret” running.
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| Ezenwo Nyesom Wike. Governor of Rivers State. Photo: @SpeakerGbaja |
Wike made known that he has “no problem with the presidential candidate” of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, who defeated him in the party’s 2023 presidential primaries.
The Rivers State Governor continues to stand his ground, saying he wants the removal of Iyorchia Ayu as the PDP National Chairman and that the position be given to a Southerner.
Wike said these when his associates in Politics and Rivers elders led by the Chairman, Rivers Elders Council, Chief Ferdinand Alabraba, paid him a visit at his private residence in Rumueprikom, to jolly with him on his 55th birthday.
About running for the PDP 2023 Presidential ticket, Wike said: “I don’t regret I ran for presidency. In the name of God, I am happy to make Rivers State proud. I am happy as far as I am concerned. If they had allow it to be what it is supposed to be, I would have won the election. But it’s okay. It has happened.
“I didn’t lose election. This is my first time of trying to run for the president of Nigeria and we made impact. If it is easy let them go ahead.”
On the rift with the PDP presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, Wike said: “I have no problem with presidential candidate. All I am saying is what is the interest of Rivers people? What is the interest of the South -South, and the South?”
About the allegation that he inserted the Rivers State PDP governorship candidate, Sir Siminalaye Fubara on the party, Wike revealed: “When O.C.J Okocha comes back we will publish the agreement signed by all.”
Wike pleaded with the PDP leaders to remain focused and supportive as the party will cruise to victory in the 2023 elections. He said: “We will win. I am not running election, but I’m running an election. My name is not in the ballot, but I’m running an election. You’ll hear what is going to happen. Everybody don’t panic. It is something God has given to us in our (hand) palm.”
