…G5 governors actions prevented Nigeria from descending into crisis.
The iNews Times reports that the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has revealed the role of the G5 governors in the 2023 presidential election.
Wike also revealed why the governors took the decision to work against the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar.
According to Wike, the group’s actions prevented Nigeria from descending into crisis, and they do not regret their decision despite it benefiting their party’s opponent, Bola Tinubu.
The G5 governors, comprising Wike, Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, Samuel Ortom of Benue, Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia, and Ifeanyi Uguanyi of Enugu State, were reportedly dissatisfied with Atiku’s emergence as the PDP candidate due to zoning issues.
The group believed that the presidency should have rotated to the South, given the party’s North-South zoning arrangement.
Addressing PDP members under the umbrella of ‘Concerned Stakeholders of the PDP’ from the 36 states of the federation and the FCT, Wike maintained that the right decision was made, and Nigeria was saved from potential crisis.
“You may like us, you may hate us; the truth is if G5 did not take our decision, this country would have been in crisis,” Wike said.
“It doesn’t matter who the beneficiary was, but the right thing had to be done, and we still stand by that decision.”
Wike emphasized that the party’s constitution and that of the country should be respected, and if the party had listened to what the G5 governors said, they wouldn’t be where they are today.
He advised PDP leaders to stop acting with impunity, suggesting that the party’s internal dynamics need to change.
The G5 governors’ decision to work against Atiku’s campaign was seen as a significant factor in the PDP’s defeat in the 2023 presidential election.
Bola Tinubu, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, emerged victorious, and Wike’s revelation suggests that the G5 governors’ actions may have played a crucial role in his victory.
Wike’s comments have sparked reactions, with some PDP members likely to criticize his stance.
However, Wike remains unapologetic about the G5 governors’ decision, believing that they acted in the best interest of Nigeria.
The development highlights the deep-seated divisions within the PDP and the complex dynamics that shaped the 2023 election, iNews Times reports.
