The media aide to the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, Paul Ibe has revealed why his principal visited former president, Goodluck Jonathan.
OsunDaily News had earlier reported that Atiku alongside his running mate, Ifeanyi Okowa met with Jonathan at his residence in Abuja.
Ibe while speaking on the aim of the meeting said it had nothing to do with the rift between Atiku and the Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike.
The media aide to the former Vice President in a chat with The Nation said his principal’s visit to Jonathan was part of Atiku’s consultation with stakeholders in the pursuit of his presidential project.
Ibe said, “We all know that as a former President who was elected on the platform of the PDP, Dr Jonathan is a statesman and a highly respected leader in the PDP.
“The visit was part of consultations on topical national issues like restructuring, which is one of the key programmes of Atiku’s action plan.
“He went to tap from Dr Jonathan’s knowledge and experience because the former President had been there before.
“For instance, when we talk about restructuring, there are a number of options on the table. It may come through executive pronouncement, reforms or negotiation.
“That is why there must be broad consultation with relevant stakeholders across all geopolitical zones. I can assure you that there will be more such consultations in the days and weeks ahead.”
One of the spokespersons of the Atiku-Okowa Campaign, Charles Aniagwu while speaking about the meeting also said Atiku’s visit is part of ongoing consultations embarked upon by Atiku.
According to Aniagwu, the consultation is not restricted to only PDP leaders, adding that others would be consulted as time goes on.
Aniagwu, however, did not rule out the probability of Atiku and the former president discussing the issue of Wike during the meeting.
Aniagwu said, “What I can say is that it was a total package in the sense that they couldn’t have gone to meet with Jonathan because of one person. It’s part of ongoing consultation that will be extended to diverse stakeholders.”
