From Fred Itua, Abuja

Ahead of the commencement of the screening of ministerial nominees by the Senate, the camp of the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 presidential elections, Atiku Abubakar, are plotting to scuttle the confirmation of former governor, Nyesom Wike.

At the weekend, Atiku met with other party leaders in Abuja, to among other issues discuss  ways to prevent the further depletion of the former ruling party and stop the Senate from confirming Wike. Sources at the meeting said PDP leaders have settled for two options on how to scuttle his confirmation. The source said a petition may be written by PDP senators loyal to Atiku camp and submitted today on the floor of the Senate.

He added that the urgency of the issue may prompt the leaders to settle for their second option – a motion of urgent national importance on the floor of the Senate asking for the disqualification of Wike.

The PDP chieftain said the plans may fail if the Minority Caucus of the upper legislative chamber does not endorse the move. Ironically, the Minority Leader, Simon Davou Mwadkwon, was reportedly picked by Wike and may not endorse the move.

The PDP leader said the second headache is the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, who may reject any move to sponsor such a motion or submit a petition.

Daily Sun has gathered that Wike and his key supporters met with some senators in Abuja yesterday to map out plans on how to counter moves by the PDP. A senator from the South South loyal to Wike said if the PDP goes ahead with the plans, it would cause an uproar in the Senate.

He revealed that Wike maybe among those to be screened early today to frustrate plans by Atiku’s camp. The senator revealed that Wike may not be subjected to any serious grilling and may likely be told to “take a bow and go.”

Weeks before the inauguration of the National Assembly, Wike had openly endorsed and campaigned for Akpabio and reportedly funded the campaign too.