PDP moves to halt Wike’s likely defection

Determined to halt his likely defection, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has enlisted key leaders of the opposition party to pacify Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike.

The latest move was informed by last Friday’s visit of some governors of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Rivers’ helmsman in Port Harcourt.

But the Wike camp has insisted that party chair, Dr. Iyorchia Ayu, must not be part of the team that would negotiate with the Rivers’ governor. The camp insists Ayu must vacate office.

It was learnt that the visit, coming shortly after Wike foreclosed face-to-face talks with the party’s presidential candidate Alhaji Abubakar Atiku, unsettled the PDP leadership.

Wike, who was recommended by a PDP committee as running mate was bypassed for Atiku’s preferred choice, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State.

The disaffection caused within the party by the decision created continued to rock the opposition party.

Only yesterday, the party’s Zonal Treasurer in the Northeast, Galdima Abba Itas, renounced his membership of the party over alleged unjust treatment of Wike after the national convention that produced Atiku as presidential flagbearer.

But the leaders are unrelenting in their determination to retain the governor in the PDP.

It was learnt yesterday that Atiku, who is expected back in Nigeria from a trip abroad, plans to meet with Wike anytime this week.

Atiku, who just earned a Master’s Degree, said his disagreement with Wike was reconcilable.

According to investigation, some PDP founding fathers have enlisted Wike’s godfather, ex-governor Peter Odili to lead the engagement with him.

Others involved include two former Presidents of the Senate, Sen. David Mark and Bukola Saraki; the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of PDP, Sen. Walid Jibril, ex-governors and current governors especially Samuel Ortom and Seyi Makinde who have the ears of Wike.

It was learnt that apart from opening up direct contact with Wike, Atiku’s loyalists have been lobbying members of the think-tank of the Rivers State governor.

A top source, who spoke in confidence, said: “PDP is jittery of losing Wike and the South-South because with Peter Obi’s pervasiveness in Labour Party, the South-East is no longer a robust political base for it.

“The main opposition party is also on the edge in the Northeast with the choice of Sen. Kashim Shettima as the vice presidential candidate of APC. Also, the Southwest is a dead end for PDP. And the APC Muslim – Muslim ticket appeals to the North-West.

“The only option left for PDP is reconciliation. This is why PDP leaders have become jittery and desperate to open fresh talks with Wike.

“Key leaders leading engagement with Wike are ex-governor Peter Odili, two former Presidents of the Senate, Sen. David Mark and Bukola Saraki; the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of PDP, Sen. Walid Jibril, ex-governors and some founding fathers of PDP.

“The way APC has capitalised on differences in PDP was a wake-up call to the opposition party to accommodate every interest.

“This party is ready to assuage not only Wike but all those with grudges.”

A source in Wike’s camp said: “Left to Wike and his strategists, the National Chairman of PDP, Dr. Iyorchia Ayu must not be part of any discussion or negotiation. Our position remains that Ayu must quit.

“Any agreement with Atiku must be documented because Wike can no longer take PDP candidate’s words to the bank.”

As at press time, Atiku’s group last night said the PDP candidate was prepared to meet Wike.

A strategist of Atiku said: “The truth is that Atiku and Wike have been speaking. Our candidate has also elected to have audience with the aggrieved governor to know his demands and weigh all options.. He may meet Wike before the week runs out.

“So far, we are optimistic that the little stress over the choice of vice presidential candidate of PDP, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa will be resolved.

“Atiku is taking charge now, PDP will be a united family again.”(The Nation)