Our votes in Rivers no longer free for PDP – Wike

Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State says electoral votes from his domain to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) will no longer be free.

Mr Wike stated this on Tuesday at the inauguration of the new Etche campus of the Rivers State University in Etche council of the state.

He has been at loggerheads with the leadership of the opposition party which he is a member of. The crisis in the PDP began after Atiku Abubakar emerged candidate of the party at the presidential primary in Abuja in May.

His camp is demanding the resignation of Iyorchia Ayu, national chairman of the party, on account that the presidential candidate and the national chairman should not come from the same Northern region.

Speaking at the occasion, the governor asserted that his state has delivered more votes to the PDP since the return to democratic rule in 1999, a claim not yet verified by TODAY POLITICS.

“At the appropriate time, we will make a decision on what to do,” Mr Wike announced. “This is because since 1999 — I want Rivers people to reflect on this, ponder over it, and bring the highest votes to the PDP — I challenge any state to say they brought more votes for the PDP. I challenge any state to say, in terms of support, for the PDP.

“Which state has given more support than Rivers state? Is there anyone? Since 1999, show me one federal project in Rivers state. Is there anyone? So, if you want our votes, then tell me what you will give Rivers people. Our votes are not for dash anymore,” he added.

He also accused some members of the party which he refused to name of committing anti-party activities during the 2019 presidential election which President Muhammadu Buhari, seeking re-election at the time, won.

“They were going to negotiate with Buhari in 2019; that was how Buhari won election,” the governor alleged. “They came to me, I said no negotiation; PDP must win.”