PDP Crisis: Wike Insists On Ayu's Resignation Amid Resolution Talks

The crisis rocking the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) continues as Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike is bent on National Chairman Iyorchia Ayu stepping down before any resolution can take place.

According to a report by Punch, the latest meeting to resolve the lingering issue between Wike and the party's presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, on Thursday failed to yield the desired results.

Confirming the stalement reached after the meeting, one of Wike's close allies, Senator Olaka Wogu disclosed that the governor remains resolute in his demand for Ayu's resignation.

“I just want to set the record straight that no matter what you have heard, the meeting ended because Wike stood firm that there was no basis for any resolution until Ayu stepped down.

Atiku Abubakar

“Every other thing can be discussed, whether it is 2027 or not after the needful has been done.

"This will put the party in a position where the national chairman can go to every state to campaign for the party.

"There are some states where Ayu may not be welcomed", Wogu revealed.

Speaking further, he dismissed reports that Atiku offered to support Wike for president in 2027, emphasising that there was no such discussion between them.

Iyorchia Ayu

“Talks are still ongoing between them and I know that there will be continued talks between them,” he added.

Addressing the reported agreement between both men, Wogu shared: "There is nothing like that. I told you that talks are still ongoing between them.

"I won’t lie to you, but I cannot disclose the content of the meeting; the idea is to find whether they can reach an agreement.

“As you know, Wike has stood his ground that Ayu must leave for a sense of fairness, equity and for what is right. He should go.

"This was even compounded by the fact that Ayu himself said he would go. So, as a matter of honour, he should go.

“Before now, Atiku had said that there were constitutional challenges to his (Ayu’s) removal. So between pleasure and force, we will explore the option.

"That was what Atiku said in London. This is like a follow-up; they are talking.”