The Nation Newspaper PDP: How Atiku, Wike tug-of-war reshapes party's 2027 dynamics
Exactly who were the ‘marauders’ that chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party Governors’ Forum, Bauchi State Governor,, referred to as being active within the party, who were intent on taking away a faction for the purpose of consummating a coalition in preparation for 2027?
According to Bala Mohammed: “It was planned that the party would have an implosion,” but efforts towards reconciliation and stability appear to have paid off significantly. Ironically, for both eminent party men, loud whispers alleging pernicious intents randomly proliferate. One is said to have an almost unholy hold over the party’s national exco and to have virtually desecrated the party’s constitution and unity of purpose by openly working against PDP interest in 2023 and rigidly intent on pursuing similar course on a grander note in 2027 – a sure case for severe party sanctions over anti-party activities.
While the Atiku camp sought a tactical punch in supporting calls for a review of recently constituted caretaker committees for some nineteen states, the Wike camp has been vocal about the need for an overhaul and a new strategic approach that distances the party from the shadows of past electoral defeats.
The pro-Damagun camp, said to be largely the same as the pro-Wike camp argue vehemently for his continuity, citing his stewardship during a period of unprecedented turmoil. They point to his efforts in stabilizing the party apparatus and his commitment to upholding the PDP’s core values. Additionally, they highlight his diplomatic skills in navigating the intricate web of intra-party dynamics; a quality they believe is indispensable for the party’s resurgence.
According to a highly placed member of the party, a determined effort had earlier made by the Atiku camp to pursue the sanction issue ensured a meeting at the Abuja residence of Chief Tom Ikimi during the first week of August last year but the complexity of the issue was such that the meeting could not issue a communiqué and after the meeting, chairman of PDP Governors’ Forum, Bala Mohammed, saved the party’s face by telling reporters that major discussions at the meeting were PDP concerns...
“Things became complicated because no decision could be taken without the governors’ endorsement and the sanctions issue was left aside, with persistent, angry murmurings and no concrete action, but let us see the magic that would be done over that issue at the forthcoming PDP National Caucus meeting,” he said.
He emphasized the need for the party headquarters to have comprehensive reports on all those elements that perpetrated anti-party activities in various states during the 2023 general elections and the subsequent ones. However, till date, no one is sure of the exact timeline to begin identifying anti-party activities or what sanction can possibly be used.Third was the Caretaker Committee Conundrum.
National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Mr. Debo Ologunagba, who read a short statement to reporters said that the previous evening’s meeting of PDP Governors had requested urgent decision to resolve the matter. “We had a pre-caucus meeting between the PDP Governors Forum and the NWC; arising from that meeting, we have a short message to communicate.
Embattled acting National Chairman Damagum also partook in several, including that of the PDP National Working Committee which passed a vote of confidence on him at their 584th meeting at the Party’s National Secretariat on Tuesday, April 16, 2024. In line with PDP constitution, the party organ holds a fortnightly meeting. According to National Publicity Secetary, Mr. Debo Ologunagba, the Deputy National Chairman Amb.
An Abuja meeting of the PDP North Central Zonal Executive Committee and respective State Chairmen of the Party from the six states of the zone and Federal Capital Territory facilitated by one of the governors in the zone made conclusive arrangements and reached out to several influential party members from other geo-political zones ahead of the forthcoming meetings at the PDP National headquarters.
However, it turned out that the zone’s caucus had different sets of people pushing for different candidates. While names were coming up from several North-Central states, that of former Nasarawa state governorship candidate, Hon. David Ombugadu came up as an unassailable contender and some even suggest that he be considered for the National Chairmanship position.
The Board of Trustees meeting was particularly crucial as it provided a platform for the party’s elder statesmen to weigh in on the internal dynamics and chart a course for the future. The BoT’s influence cannot be underestimated, as their endorsement or lack thereof significantly impacted the party’s efforts to unify various tendencies and move forward.
He also echoed widespread views that the party is going through pivotal moments that would determine its health and public standing across Nigeria in the build-up towards 2027. In an earlier speech during the PDP BOT’s meeting that preceded that of the National Executive Committee , BOT chairman, Senator Adolphus Wabara, emphasized that despite lingering challenges, the PDP must reposition itself so as to take over power in 2027.
“Nigerians are currently passing through a perilous time and their earnest expectation is for us as a Party to put our house in order and effectively lead the charge to rescue our nation from the stranglehold of the All-Progressives Congress .We must therefore go into this meeting with the determination and resolve to urgently come up with practical solutions to the challenges facing our Party at this time.
“It is incumbent upon us to resolve this matter with utmost urgency, guided by transparency, fairness, and the best interests of our party and its members,” he said. “In conclusion, let us approach the deliberations of this meeting with a spirit of fellowship, mutual respect, and unwavering dedication to the ideals and principles that bind us together as members of the great People’s Democratic Party ,” he added.
“NEC commends all the Organs of the Party for their collective resilience, steadfastness and commitment towards the unity, stability and sustenance of our great Party despite dauting challenges. “NEC commended the efforts of the National Working Committee in its effort towards rebranding the Party including the new look PDP Logo which is widely accepted by Party members and Nigerians in general.
But not agree that Wike was triumphant and Atiku humiliated. They rather see it as a showdown kicked down the road. The source revealed that being their first National Executive Council meeting, after the elections, all parties were advised to sheathe their swords and allow for wider consultations and respect for the party’s constitution.
“That was the position canvased by the leadership of NASS PDP Caucus. And it was taken. It is not about the the Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Chief Nyesom Wike, as being wrongly carried by some people.
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