Atiku Abubakar, the Peoples Democratic Party's presidential candidate, welcomed members of the House of Representatives who were elected on the party's platform as part of his discussions prior to the declaration of a fully functional campaign council.
The meeting, which took place on Tuesday at the Shehu Musa Yar'Adua Centre in Abuja, was a chance for the candidate to discuss his expectations of the federal lawmakers as the election year of 2023 approaches.
The MPs who briefed him on their expectations also reportedly expressed concern about the ongoing conflict between him and resentful party members who supported Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike's cause.
A source privy to what transpired told VANGUARD, “We spoke candidly advising our candidate to expedite action on settling the dispute because the longer it continues the worse not only for the party but also for our chances at the polls.
“Whatever the issues are, we told him they should be resolved quickly for the good of all.
“He in turn informed the gathering that he and his team were working round the clock to deal with the issue pointing out that a peaceful resolution was within reach.”
Atilku who also gave an insight into what was discussed, took to his verified twitter handle @Atiku and said, “I just rounded off a meeting with former presiding officers and leaders of the House of Representatives at the Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja.
“The meeting afforded a double advantage of seeking their support in building a grassroots network for our upcoming campaign.
“The second benefit is that it provides a legislative insight into some of the reforms we shall work through. Altogether, it was a well-spent afternoon, and I thank them all for honouring my invitation.”
In another development, the PDP Presidential candidate also announced the appointment of the Commissioner for Information in Delta State, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, as one of his spokesmen for the 2023 presidential campaign
This was contained in a press statement signed by Atiku’s Media Adviser, Paul Ibe who said Aniagwu’s appointment takes immediate effect, with the responsibility, among others, to keep the electorate up to speed with happenings in the presidential campaign.
The statement read in part, “Aniagwu is a veteran broadcaster with over two decades experience in the media industry.
“He joins other appointees who had been announced earlier as spokespersons to the campaign.“