The presidential campaign rally of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ibadan on Wednesday witnessed a low turnout of supporters in what was another demonstration of the rejection and resentment the PDP continues to face in the South West.
Recall the party had its presidential campaign rally in Abeokuta, the Ogun state capital but the rally ended up in shame as the convoy of the party got stoned by residents who demonstrated its aversion towards the party.
The development adds to the long list of setbacks the presidential campaign of the PDP has been facing since its primary election that was blighted by corruption allegations by the leadership of the party.
Adding to their woes on Wednesday was the absence of Oyo Governor, Seyi Makinde who was conspicuously absent, robbing the rally of the usual heavy crowd attendant of governorship and presidential campaign rallies.
Makinde’s absence confirmed that the G5 crisis with the national leadership of the party was still firmly rooted, only five weeks to the election.
The G5 Governors are demanding the resignation of the national chairman Dr Iyorchia Ayu, to allow a southerner take over for the purpose of inclusiveness. They are Nyesom Wike (Rivers), Samuel Ortom (Benue), Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia), Seyi Makinde (Oyo) and Ifeanyi Ugwuayi (Enugu).
Though the presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar and his team members hailed the Governor for allowing the rally to hold, and for mobilizing supporters to attend, the crowd fell heavily short of what is usually experienced at Mapo Hall during governorship and presidential campaigns.