Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate and former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has accused the group of former PDP governors known as G-5 governors of seeking relevance, appointments, and protection against prosecution. He emphasized that their decision not to support him had nothing to do with patriotism, cautioning Nigerians not to be deceived by them.
In a statement issued by Atiku’s Special Assistant on Public Communication, Mr Phrank Shaibu, he also responded to former Governor Ayodele Fayose’s description of former Governor Nyesom Wike as “an average mad man.” Shaibu stated that Fayose’s remarks were accurate, highlighting that the G-5 governors were only seeking relevance, appointments, and protection from prosecution. He stressed that their decision not to support Atiku was not driven by patriotism, and Nigerians should not be deceived.
Atiku further criticized the G-5 governors individually, stating that Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State was one of the worst governors in Nigeria’s history. He alleged that Ortom had a bulky case file at the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and was only released due to Wike’s intervention.
Atiku also mentioned former Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State, accusing him of poor performance and suggesting that the EFCC refrained from prosecuting him because of his connection to the G-5 governors. Atiku concluded by stating that this behavior is what the G-5 governors have turned the country into, and hence, their belief that Nigeria needs an average mad person.
Regarding Fayose, Atiku expressed his disappointment that Fayose did not publicly campaign for Bola Tinubu during the presidential election but is now seeking favors from Tinubu to discontinue his corruption case at the Federal High Court. Shaibu highlighted that Fayose’s inconsistency and deceptive tactics are evident, referring to his shifting statements on supporting Atiku and claiming responsibility for delivering Ekiti State to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
According to Shaibu, Fayose’s current actions stem from his inability to secure a ministerial appointment due to other contenders from Ekiti State. He accused Fayose of seeking an appointment for his son and attempting to have his corruption case compromised or withdrawn by the government. Shaibu urged Nigerians not to be deceived by Fayose’s antics.
