The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors Forum recently hosted a reception for returning and newly-elected governors in Abuja. However, five governors failed to attend the event, and their absence has led to speculation concerning their reasons for not showing up. The governors in question are Seyi Makinde (Oyo State), Nyesom Wike (Rivers State), Samuel Ortom (Benue State), Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia State), and Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu State).
Although Cyril Maduabum, Director General of the PDP Governors’ Forum, indicated that all governors under the PDP were expected to attend the event, Maduabum disclosed that the G-5 PDP governors gave reasons for their failure to attend. Maduabum maintained that most of the reasons they gave included prior commitments and being out of the country at the time of the event.
The National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Debo Ologunagba, claimed that the party would continue to engage with its leaders, including the aggrieved governors, according to the provisions of the PDP Constitution. Timothy Osadolor, Deputy National Youth Leader of the PDP, described the G-5 governors as remaining of significant importance to the party, even though they had previously worked against the PDP’s fortunes.
