Certain members of the leadership within the primary opposition party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), are expressing concern that the ongoing conflict between the party’s flag bearer, Atiku Abubakar, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, is causing significant internal division….CONTINUE READING

According to these party members, if the ongoing crisis is not resolved promptly, it could jeopardize the future of the PDP, considering the unfolding events.

The conflict centers around allegations that Nyesom Wike and his group, known as the G5, did not support Atiku’s candidacy during the 2023 presidential election.

These party members have called for the resignation of the embattled former PDP chairman, Iyorchia Ayu, and are advocating for a leader of southern extraction to take his place.

While there is widespread belief that Wike supported Bola Tinubu and was subsequently rewarded with a ministerial appointment by the president, the former governor of Rivers State has refused to leave the PDP.

Despite numerous calls for his expulsion from the PDP, it appears that the party’s leadership is divided on this matter.

In a conversation with The Punch on Friday, an anonymous two-time former governor from the North-West region disclosed that the PDP’s National Working Committee is experiencing division over the issues involving Atiku and Wike.

The former governor expressed concerns that the statements and actions of these two leaders are causing a rift within the party, and if prompt measures are not taken to address the crisis, the future of the party could become even more uncertain.

He emphasized that although Wike and his group may have worked against Atiku, the former governor played a role in the victory of certain national party officials. Consequently, while many individuals are upset with him for appearing to work against the party’s interests, some remain loyal to him.

The former governor concluded by saying, “The conflicting positions of these two leaders, Atiku and Wike, are dividing the party’s leadership, which is detrimental to our role as an opposition party.

The party’s future is currently uncertain. As a party leader, I am surprised that Mr. Umar Damagum (the acting national chairman) has not presented his plan for the party to the stakeholders.

He appears to be torn between his allegiance to Atiku and Wike. In the current situation, things are likely to deteriorate further unless either Atiku or Wike steps aside to allow the party to regain its footing.”