In what is seen as a blow to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential campaign for 2023, Governor Nyesom Wike and his allies have officially announced their withdrawal from their party’s presidential campaign.

The group met last night into the early hours of today Wednesday at Wike’s residence in Port Harcourt. Those present included Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, Ayo Fayose, Ibrahim Dankwambo, Olusegun Mimiko, Jonah Jang, Mohammed Adoke, Olabode George, among others.

Party elder George made the announcement to journalists after the meeting. Their position remains that Iyorchia Ayu, the PDP National Chairman must resign for a Southern party member. Failure of attaining that demand compelled them to withdraw from the Atiku campaign, he said.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has slated 28 September as the official date for candidates to kick-off their campaigns.