Former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Olabode George, was conspicuously absent as the party’s presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar and his running mate, Ifeanyi Okowa, took their presidential campaign rally to Lagos.
George is a strong member of the PDP Integrity Group which also has five governors of the party known as G5 as members.
The group led by Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State is demanding the resignation of the party’s National Chairman, Dr Iyorchia Ayu as a condition to work for Atiku.
Among the G5 governors is Seyi Makinde of Oyo State who also shunned the rally in Lagos, South West.
Similarly, the party’s Deputy National Chairman, Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja, former Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Ayo Fayose, among other leaders of the Integrity Group, were absent.
However, Atiku and his entourage rode triumphantly into the Tafawa Balewa Square, venue of the rally, in a motorcade.
At the rally were Governors Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom; Godwin Obaseki of Edo; Darius Ishaku of Taraba.
Others in attendance were former Senate Presidents: Dr. Bukola Saraki, Dr. Anyim Pius Anyim; former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, Chairman, Board of Trustees, Senator Adolphus Wabara, among others.
The PDP governorship candidate in Lagos, Abdul-Azeez Olajide Adediran popularly known as Jandor, who welcomed the presidential campaign train said his candidature would end the reign of the All Progressives Congress in the state.
He said, “Funke and I have been ordained by God to put an end to this dynasty that has held us by the jugular.” (DailyTrust)