Why PDP needs Wike for its rescue mission — Mimiko
Former Ondo State governor, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko says the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) needs Rivers State governor Nyesom Wike for its rescue mission in the next general elections.
Mimiko spoke on Wednesday at the flag-off ceremony for the construction of the Azikiwe –Iloabuchi Road in Mile 2 Diobu, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
His comment came amid speculations that the Rivers Governor may dump the PDP following a fallout with the party after its presidential primary.
Wike lost to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar in the exercise, a development that has since caused a rift between him and Adamawa-born politician.
“It is a mission that must be accomplished; a mission for which you are specially positioned and favoured to play a major role; a mission that must be subscribed to by all lovers of our country.”
He explained that when some forces tried to destroy the PDP, Wike was a bulwark that resisted such attempts.
“Beyond the self-evident physical transformation, you (Wike) have stood as a bulwark against those sworn to emasculate the main opposition party, all in their bid to force a one-party State down the throats of Nigerians,” Mimiko added.
“You were at one point virtually a one-man countervailing force, defending and protecting our dear PDP. You have also, through bold legal challenges, deepened the national consciousness on the defects in the running of our defective federal system.”
The PDP is making reconciliatory moves but Wike’s recent invitation of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos (a state governed by the leading All Progressives Congress, APC) to commission a project has generated further speculations that he may leave the PDP.
Meanwhile, a former PDP National Chairman, Abubakar Baraje, has described Governor Wike as a crucial member of the PDP and a leader in the party.
He spoke against the backdrop of Wike’s face-off with PDP’s presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, over the choice of the party’s running mate.
Wike has been aggrieved with Atiku and PDP leaders over the choice of Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State as the party’s presidential running mate.
The governor had met with some chieftains of the All Progressives Congress, APC, believed to be “men” of the party’s presidential candidate, Bola Tinubu.
A few days ago, Wike had invited Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State to Commission a flyover in Port Harcourt.
Against the backdrop of these actions, some Nigerians believe Wike may dump the opposition party.
However, Baraje defended Wike, stressing that he has not engaged in any anti-party affair.
Speaking with Arise News, Baraje said: “One of the resolutions of PDP’s BoT was for Atiku to meet with Wike, and they have met; another meeting may come up.
“Until Wike declares that he is no longer a member of PDP, as far as PDP is concerned, he is not just an ordinary member but a leader of our party, a governor of our party.
“As far as we are concerned, Wike has not done anything that is anti-party; he is still behaving within the law. He has not done anything that goes against the rules and regulations of PDP.
“We are still meeting with Wike, and we believe that soon all the hullabaloo will be over.”
( Channels TV and Daily Post)
