PDP denies resignation of PCC chair as aide tips Atiku to win despite rift

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), yesterday, dismissed speculations that Akwa Ibom State Governor, Udom Emmanuel, has resigned his position as chairman of the Atiku/Okowa Presidential Campaign Council (PCC).

A statement released by the spokesperson of PDP PCC, Kola Ologbondiyan, described the report as fake.

He said: “Our campaign assures Nigerians, as well as all pro-democracy and development partners, that such idea is not in the contemplation of the Akwa Ibom State Governor, Emmanuel.”

He added: “Emmanuel, this afternoon, at the flag-off of the PDP governorship campaign, which held at the Nest of Champions Stadium in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State capital, declared that the rumour is a lie ‘from the pit of hell’ and that he remains the chairman of the PDP PCC.

“The appointment of Emmanuel as chairman was predicated on his belief and commitment to the PDP, the ideals of our founding fathers, as well as his unwavering confidence in our presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, as the leader that has the required capacity to lead the charge to rescue and rebuild our nation.

“Emmanuel is effectively and committedly leading a successful campaign that will take our party to victory and will not be distracted by the wishful thinking of the enemies of Nigeria.”

MEANWHILE, Special Adviser to PDP National Chairman, Simon Imobo-Tswam, expressed optimism that despite intra-party squabbles, Atiku Abubakar, would still win the 2023 general elections.

In an interview, yesterday, Imobo-Tswam said: “Yes, in spite of the opposition of the five governors, PDP will still win. Why do I say so, elections are not going to be held tomorrow. We are still talking. The window is still open and our message is that of diplomacy.

“With reconciliation, we are stronger. We may have issues in the party but our eyes are on the ball. That is our focus. Our opponents are not in PDP; they are outside PDP. They are APC, and that is our target.

“We are talking. Rivers will vote for PDP. Rivers has been PDP since 1999, and the governor cannot just throw away the history because of issues that can be resolved. PDP will win in Benue, Rivers; we are targeting 25 states. We cannot rule out Benue, Oyo or Rivers. Twenty-five is more than what the PDP currently controls. So, PDP is wining a minimum 25 states out of 36.”

Imobo-Tswam’s principal, Iyorchia Ayu, is currently locked in battle against, at least, five of the party’s 13 governors, including Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, who spearheaded his (Ayu’s) emergence as chairman.