2023: We’ve not reached deal with anyone, Wike declares

Rivers State governor, Nyesom Wike, has clarified that himself and his allies in the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), better known as the G5 have not struck a deal with any presidential candidate ahead of 2023 elections.

The G-5, which includes Wike, Governors Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Samuel Ortom (Benue), Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu), and Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia) have been at loggerheads with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar in the wake of the party’s presidential primary.

Reports had emerged that the governors have reached an agreement with Bola Tinubu, presidential candidate of the APC, to back him in the presidential election.

But Wike has dismissed the reports as untrue.

“They 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,” he said on Friday during the flag-off of the construction of Eneka-Igbo Etche Road.

“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 governor added, urging detractors to leave members of the G-5.

“I just want to enjoy myself and my family,” Wike said, maintaining that he is not contesting an election next year and thus should not be the subject of speculations.

He also accused Atiku of holding secret meetings with governors of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and failing to keep to his promise of not having the PDP presidential candidate and the party’s chairman from the same region (North).