Chief Dan Ulasi, a senior member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has come to the defense of former Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike, arguing that many people criticize him without fully grasping the circumstances surrounding the party’s 2022 presidential primary.
In an interview on Signature TV, Ulasi stated that Wike was widely expected to win the PDP presidential nomination after conducting an extensive campaign across numerous states and local government areas. He noted that Wike was warmly received by delegates upon his arrival at Eagle Square, the site of the national convention, particularly from those representing northern regions.
According to Ulasi, the strong support Wike received led several party leaders to believe he would secure victory if the voting process had proceeded as planned. He recounted that after all candidates had delivered their speeches, Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal returned to the stage, declared his withdrawal from the race, and called on northern delegates to back former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.
Ulasi revealed that he advised Wike to exit the venue following Tambuwal’s move, but Wike insisted on staying, emphasizing that the delegates should be allowed to cast their votes. Ultimately, the majority of northern delegates threw their support behind Atiku, who went on to become the party’s presidential candidate.
Ulasi believes these events marked the start of Wike’s growing discontent within the PDP. He contends that Wike was unjustly sidelined in the race for the presidential ticket and criticized the tendency of observers to pass judgment without acknowledging this background.
“In assessing Wike,” Ulasi said, “people condemn him without context, because he was the first to be forced out through manipulation; he was the first person the North used to exert pressure and push out of contention…See_More
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