According to reports, the PDP presidential candidate is yet to release campaign funds due to a lack of funds to organise rallies and meetings across the country.

There is also speculation that the lack of funds was caused by a dispute between Atiku and the five disgruntled PDP governors. They include Governors Nyesom Wike (Rivers), Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia), Samuel Ortom (Benue), and Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu).

In response to the allegations, a member of the PDP National Executive Committee (NEC) who spoke on the condition of anonymity said that Atiku was only being careful to release campaign funds.

The NEC member, who served in the Uche Secondus-led National Working Committee, told The Punch that Atiku was being guided by his experience in 2019.

He said, “Atiku was the presidential candidate of the party in 2019. He knew everything that happened; the disbursement of monies to state chapters, support groups, and all that. I think he is being strategic now.”

When asked how the party hopes to fund the campaign, the PDP chieftain added, “That is part of the problem. During consultations, the then aspirant was said to have boasted that the money to run the campaigns was not a problem. Some of our governors are reluctant to make contributions but some have shown support.

“Also, the governors who pulled out of the council have not shown any financial commitment to the campaign but there is a chance this will change if the party succeeds in reconciling with them.”