The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has begun a gradual process to woo loyalists of its aggrieved governors led by the Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, as part of efforts to decrease their influence in swaying the ballot come 2023 during the general election.
This follows the decision by the aggrieved Governors of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, Oyo State, Seyi Makinde Abia State, Okezie Ikpeazu, Enugu State, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi and Benue State, Samuel Ortom not to join the presidential campaign council (PPC) after all efforts by the party to pacify them.
Naija News learnt the move by the party is targeted at consolidating its Presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar’s foothold in the states governed by these party chieftains.
Recall that Wike and his allies withdrew from the PDP campaign council because they claimed its unfair to the South geo-political zone for both its party’s presidential candidate and the national chairman to come from the north, therefore calling for the removal of the national chairman Iyorchia Ayu.
According to a Punch Newspaper report, the party doesn’t want to take any chances, hence it has started flirting with some of Wike’s allies in Rivers states as well as in other concerned states.
The report noted that a source at the party’s secretariat, who pleaded anonymity explained that the appointment of Wike’s former allies, Uche Secondus as Atiku’s technical adviser, and Austin Opara as the Director of Training, National Campaign Management Committee of the PCC was part of the plan to reduce his influence in Rivers State.
The source also added that Senator Lee Maeba, another loyalist of Atiku, who is an authority in Rivers state politics is also a member of the PCC, as part of the move to break Wike’s strength.
“Such elements would be identified and brought to the party’s fold for the serious job of getting our candidate to win next year’s election,’’ the source said.
Similarly, one of Benue State governor, Samuel Ortom’s aides is also being persuaded by the PCC, and that the move is gradual.
The source added that “Atiku’s camp is in deep talks with Shima Ayati, the Special Adviser to Governor Ortom on Inter-Governmental Affairs and Liaison Services who was a one-time Special Assistant to Atiku. Atiku is also talking with Terzunhwe Atser, the former boss of Benue Inland Revenue Service,” Punch reported.
OsunDaily News however gathered that the Deputy National Youth Leader of the party, Timothy Osadolor was reported to have said the plan is on course and that in the game of politics working with allies is acceptable, and as such the party would do anything to bring people that are pro of its rescue message of Atiku and the PDP.
According to him, the party is on a mission to liberate Nigerians and anyone who shares similar visions in our out of the party is welcome to join the train.
Osadolor said that even though the aggrieved party chieftains are important to the party, but the greater picture is Nigeria, adding that the challenges of Nigerians are bigger than five governors or even 100 governors.
He said, “The issues bothering Nigerians are bigger than five governors or 100 governors. The issues are about the security of lives, food on the table, and shelter over their heads. This is what Nigerians are bothered about and giving answers to these is what Atiku Abubakar’s aspiration and by the grace of God, his presidency will be about.’’
The PDP Deputy National Youth Leader furthered that he knows the aggrieved governors have the power to sway elections, but he believes the dynamics of elections have changed and the processes of elections are also changing, hence is nothing much to fear.
Osadolor stated that after all they have declared that have left the party or better still work against the party either, but “with them, the task would be much easier and without them, the job is doable but would be more difficult. At the end of the day, no person or group of persons is indispensable.”
“The party is putting in a lot of effort to address this crisis. We must not forget that both the DG and the chairman of the PCC participated in the primaries but they have moved on. It is in the interest of the governors to return to the campaign council and work for the party. If they don’t, the presidential candidate will visit their states and talk directly with the electorate. No doubt, a good number of them will take the message and vote for our candidate,” he added.
This article was originally published on OsunDaily News
