The former president of Nigeria, Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, has reportedly turned down the move to reconcile the presidential candidate of the People Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar and the G-5 Governors.
There had been reports that the leadership of PDP are seeking the help of Jonathan to resolve the crisis in the party ahead of the 2023 general election.
The move seems to have collapsed after the former president reportedly refused to be involved in the crisis.
Recall that Atiku, his running mate, Ifeanyi Okowa and some party leaders a few weeks ago had met with Jonathan at his residence in Abuja, requested for the support of Jonathan in the 2023 presidential election.
A few days after Atiku visited the former president, Wike disclosed how the former vice president in 2015 refused to support Jonathan.
Wike also revealed how Atiku insisted that Jonathan should relinquish his presidential ticket in 2015.
Following Wike’s allegations against Atiku, the camp of the former Vice President has not denied nor confirmed the statement.
A close ally of Jonathan who spoke with Saturday Sun on condition of anonymity said the former president is yet to forgive Atiku for working with some governors in 2015 to humiliate him, despite his plea.
The source said even though Wike would listen to Jonathan, the former president believes Atiku only comes to him every four years when he is seeking the presidential seat.
According to the source, Atiku in 2019 also snubbed and refused the people Jonathan suggested for Atiku’s campaign organisation in the 2019 presidential election.
The source said the former vice president only visited Jonathan before the primaries in 2019 and snubbed him after securing the party’s presidential ticket.
The source said, “Atiku doesn’t have any regard for Jonathan. He’s one of those who believe strongly that Jonathan didn’t deserve to be president. Even as president, Atiku didn’t respect Jonathan. That has not changed.
“He’s only showing some courtesy now that his election bid is threatened. In 2019, Jonathan supported Atiku against the wish of his supporters who were opposed to such support, including Wike.
“As soon as Atiku secured the ticket, he suddenly started ignoring Jonathan and even refused to accommodate the people, the former president nominated to serve as members of the campaign organisation.
“Since Atiku lost in 2019, he has not deemed it fit to reach out to Jonathan. The former president doesn’t want to be used again. So, he has politely refused to help Atiku. Even Olusegun Obasanjo is unwilling to step in too.”