2023: PDP speaks on 'Wike banning Atiku's campaigns in Rivers'

The Rivers State Chapter of the People's Democratic Party (PDP) has broken the silence over the claims making rounds that Governor Nyesom Wike banned the party from campaigning for Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, its presidential candidate in the state ahead of the 2023 general elections.

Daily Independent had earlier reported that a former Rivers Southeast Senator, Ledogo Maeba while speaking in an interview with the Punch alleged that Governor Wike has warned some PDP chieftains of the party against campaigning for Atiku in the state.

Maeba said Wike had issued the warning after he and some chieftains of the party visited Atiku and apologized on behalf of the governor, adding that the governor reprimanded them for visiting Atiku without his consent.

According to him, Wike also threatened that anyone who campaigned for Atiku in Rivers State without his permission would be dealt with.

Debunking the claims, the state Publicity Secretary, Tambari Gbara who challenged Maeba categorically said that Wike never banned party chieftains from campaigning for Atiku in Rivers State.

Gbara, however, ask the former lawmaker to prove his allegation that Wike issued a threat against anyone campaigning for Atiku in the state.

He said, “If the governor wants to make that statement, he would make it official, that, in the State, nobody should campaign for Atiku Abubakar.

“Governor Wike is not somebody that hides his feelings. If he wants to say that, I don't think he would say it privately. So, the person making the allegation should come out and prove himself.

“He (Maeba) should be able to furnish Rivers people and Nigerians with evidence.” (Daily Independent)