Six days before the presidential election, Nigerians are preparing to choose one out of 18 candidates available.
The leading contenders are Alhaji Atiku Abubakar from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Asiwaju Ahmed Tinubu from the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr Peter Obi from the Labour Party (LP) and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP).
Recently, disputes within PDP regarding the National Chairman Dr Iyiorchia Ayu’s continued office sparked a debate among five aggrieved governors, referred to as G5 Governors.
Within this group, Nyesom Wike led-group argued that in accordance with party constitution, while their candidate was already chosen and came from the North, there should be equal representation by electing a southern leader as well.
Since they could not agree on a single candidate in accordance with political peculiarities of their respective states, each governor has now selected his own favorite presidential candidate.
Among them is Governor Samuel Ortom who has expressed his support for Peter Obi.
Furthermore, Sunday Vanguard reported that four PDP governors—Makinde in Oyo state, Ortom in Benue state, Ikpeazu in Abia State and Ugwuanyi in Enugu State—are running for re-election including those vying for senate seats too.
This prompted them to opt for presidential candidates that may have an influence on their individual political careers.
While Nyesom Wike appears to be representing Tinubu’s campaign as he declared him “man of character” at a recent meeting held in Port Harcourt between him and Tinubu.
On another hand, Makinde has given tacit support to APC presidential candidate Asiwaju Ahmed Tinubu while Governor Ortom stands firmly by LP candidate Peter Obi.
In light of setbacks such as expulsion of key members within PDP which include former Enugu State Governor Chimaroke Nnamani and Ayo Fayose son of former Ekiti State governor, Ugwuanyi and Ikpeazu have settled with backing Atiku Abubakar’s position after realising court injunctions would not allow expulsion or suspension of G5 Governors.
This article was updated 3 months ago
