PDP Crisis: Seven Points From Governor Wike’s Interview

The Governor of Rivers state, Nyesom Wike has been at the centre of the ongoing crisis in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Naija News reports that the rift in the party began after the presidential primaries which produced Atiku Abubakar as the presidential flag bearer.

Dissatisfied with the outcome of the primaries, Wike said that the governor of Sokoto state, Aminu Tambuwal, who was also a PDP presidential aspirant, had made an illegal move when at the last minute he stepped down for Atiku and asked the delegates on his side to vote for him.

Wike demanded that for peace to return to the party the national chairman, Iyorchia Ayu, has to step down as he is a northerner and the two strongest positions in the party should not be held by the same zone.

However, Ayu and Atiku on several occasions have said that Wike’s demands cannot be met.

Angered by his rival’s refusal to budge, Wike has been making various revelations about the party and on Friday took the bull by the horns, and held a media chat for almost two hours where he addressed the issues in the PDP.

According to a report by the Nation below are Seven party secrets he revealed.

Convention Irregularities

The River state governor was highly critical of the presidential primaries that saw the emergence of Atiku Abubakar as the presidential candidate of the party.

Wike, however, revealed that he let down his guard on the issue based on the love he has for the party.

Atiku Is Not A Man Of His Words

He also accused the presidential candidate of the party of lacking integrity while giving an instance of a meeting he had with the former vice-president.

PDP Needs Restructuring

Wike urged that the party needs a total restructuring of its leadership system so as to avoid marginalisation. He stated that the issue of marginalisation within the party is sending the wrong signals to Nigerians about the party.

Zoning

Wike made reference to the jettisoned zoning policy that was displaced by some of the party big wigs as the antecedent of the ongoing crisis.

Ayu’s factor

Governor Wike vehemently criticised the national chairman of the PDP, Iyorchia Ayu, which he tagged as one who lacks a trustworthy character.

Atiku Must Meet Demands Or No Support For Him

Governor Wike in the interview further stated that meeting the demands tabled before the other section of the party is very critical to the party’s success in the 2023 general elections.

Those Around Atiku Have No Electoral Power

He poked fingers at the Waziri from Yobe State as one of those who have lacked electoral value.

Wike said: “Those asking the party to sanction me, especially Waziri from Yobe State lack electoral values. Since 1999, PDP has never won Yobe.”