Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike says the aggrieved G-5 governors of the People’s Democratic Party have not struck a deal with any presidential candidate ahead of the 2023 general elections.
Wike stated this during the inauguration of the construction of Eneka-Igbo Etche Road in Port Harcourt on Friday.
According to him, “[They said] Wike had an interview with BBC and he said we have a deal with so and so. Meanwhile, no video, no audio. And some of you waste your time listening to such things.
“Don’t you know that when I want to do something, I will do it? Don’t you know? Do you need to speculate? You don’t need to speculate. They said there is trouble but there is no trouble. What we have is an introduction to the trouble that is going to come!
“So, my dear people, I just want to tell you that whatever decision I will take, I will let you know. I cannot take any decision without taking advice from you.”
The Rivers governor, however, urged ‘detractors’ to leave members of the G-5 alone, saying, “I just want to enjoy myself and my family.”
Wike maintained that he is not contesting an election next year and should not be the subject of speculations.
The Rivers governor also accused the PDP presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar of holding secret meetings with governors of the ruling All Progressives Congress and failing to keep to his promise of not having the PDP flagbearear and the party’s national chairman from the same region (North).
The G-5 governors include Wike, Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Samuel Ortom (Benue), Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu), and Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia).
The G-5 governors have been at loggerheads with the PDP presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar following the fall out at the party’s presidential primary.
Wike, who lost to Atiku, believes the process was unfair and the five governors maintain that the PDP National Chairman, Iyorchia Ayu, a northerner, must resign.
Since the crisis, there have been speculations that the group has backed a candidate for the presidential election.
But the Rivers governor has described the reports as fake.