Makarfi, a former governor of Kaduna, claims Wike’s rage toward Atiku was justifiable.
by Ebor Cletus Ralph Jr
Various stakeholders have appealed for peace as a result of the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) ongoing factionalizations over Atiku Abubakar’s selection of a running mate.
Ahmed Makarfi, a former governor of Kaduna State, has entered the discussion and noted that Nyesom Wike, the governor of Rivers State, had a legitimate complaint about being passed over for the job.
According to reports, Wike received support from the PDP’s national working committee (NWC) for the vice presidential nomination, but Atiku ultimately chose Ifeanyi Okowa, the governor of the Delta state.
Makarfi advised that Atiku and Wike get down and talk about the circumstances surrounding the selection of Okowa while speaking to press on Thursday in Kaduna.
“I won’t blame Wike for feeling bad because he has been one of the pillars of the party,” the former governor said.
“Let the presidential candidate, Atiku, sit down with Wike to discuss issues because he is the only one that knows why he picked his running mate. The matter is resolvable.
“As long as elections will be held in 2023, PDP will win, but we need to work hard for us to win in 2023. PDP is set to bring true democracy back to Nigeria and we have learnt our lessons,” Makarfi added.
He also debunked rumours of a defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
“Honestly, I am hearing this for the first time that I am defecting from PDP to APC and I don’t know what can be the basis. Why should I make an investment in terms of time and whatever you can mention in PDP and now decide to leave?” Makarfi asked.
“Why should I go through the stress and just when we are getting it right, then I now leave the PDP for APC or any other party?
“What will be the attraction for me to leave the PDP? Well, people don’t approach me with such a rumor because they know the type of person that I am.
“If they want to come, they come to me with substance. What could be the basis? In every rumour there must be a basis. Is it because members of the opposition party attended my son’s wedding and that is the basis of that rumour?”
