16th June, 2022
By Emmanuel Oloniruha
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has advised Nigerians to ignore claims that it has ruled out Governor Nyesom Wike from the list of nominees for the vice-presidential position.
This was contained in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Debo Ologunagba on Wednesday night.
According to Debo, the report about Wike’s expulsion was mischievous and misleading.
The PDP spokesman noted that the party values Wike and the governor remains the foremost candidate in consideration for the running mate for Atiku Abubakar.
The statement read in part; “To set the records straight, the National Publicity Secretary was a guest on Arise TV Morning Show on Wednesday morning, where he answered questions on PDP’s preparedness for the 2023 general elections as well as June 18, 2022, Ekiti Governorship election
“In the course of the interview, the presenters requested some clarifications on reports in the media that the PDP had concluded its processes on its vice-presidential candidate.
“In response, the national publicity secretary stated that the PDP is a party of process and that consultations and discussions were still ongoing in the selection process.”
“If anything, our party reiterates its confidence in Wike’s outstanding ability and commitment to the ideals and values of the PDP.
“His records of achievement as a Local government area chairman, Chief of Staff to the Rivers governor, minister of state for education, currently governor of Rivers and the first runner-up in the PDP presidential primary election, stand him out as possessing requisite qualities, qualifications, capacity and wide acceptability for the position of the vice-presidential candidate of our party.
“The various positions creditably held by Wike distinguished him as an excellent team player in public governance.
“In fact, governor Wike’s energy, brilliance, commitment, and passion were acknowledged by the National Working Committee (NWC) of our party, and he is adjudged as the foremost candidate in consideration for the position of the vice-presidential candidate of the PDP.”
“The PDP urges Nigerians to disregard the mischievous reports aimed at undermining our party’s unity at this critical time.”