By Wilfred Eya
Ten days to the commencement of campaigns by political parties, indications have emerged that the Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, is weighing options on the best way to protect his interests amid the internal crisis rocking the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
A top member of the main opposition party told Daily Sun that the Rivers governor who is insisting that the National Chairman, Iyorchia Ayu, must go is toying with the idea of either sticking with the party or ditching it for another ahead of next year’s general elections.
Our source said taking a ‘tough decision’ is the only option left for Wike as he is already aware that the presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, is not ready to prosecute the elections with a new national chairman.
“From the body language of Atiku, it is obvious that he does not want Ayu to go despite the pressure from several quarters for him to step down for a southern candidate.
“You can see that Atiku has moved on. He is not even in the country now despite the crisis in the party ahead of the campaigns. Wike knows all these and it would soon be clear what he wants to do. For now, he is consulting and planning the best option to take but I can tell you that his decision would have an effect, either positive or negative, on the fortunes of the party in 2023.”
The face-off between Wike and Atiku among other reasons, started following the choice of Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa as running mate on the one hand, and the insistence of the Rivers governor’s group on the removal of Ayu, on the other hand.
The call for Ayu’s removal by Wike and his supporters was consequent upon the emergence of Atiku, a northerner, as the party’s presidential candidate.
Wike has insisted that Ayu, also a northerner, should resign to give room for a southern national chairman for fairness, equity and balancing.
The vice president met Wike in London recently to pacify the governor, who had earlier met Mr. Peter Obi, the Labour Party (LP)’s presidential candidate with former President Olusegun Obasanjo in attendance.
Despite several moves for a truce, including the London meeting, Governor Wike has been consistent in demanding the removal of Ayu before the campaigns start.
Specifically, Wike was quoted to have told top members of his group, including Governors Seyi Makinde of Oyo, Samuel Ortom of Benue and Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia states, that reconciliation was out of the way except certain conditions were met.
The governor was also said to be angry over Atiku’s decision to bring his political foes, including former PDP national chairman, Prince Uche Secondus, closer.
It was gathered that Wike believed the romance with Secondus and others by Atiku, was a clear demonstration by the former VP that he could work with others in his absence.
In what appeared like erecting further hurdles in the way of any reconciliation, the governor came up with a six-point demand at their London meeting, top of which is the removal of Ayu.
Part of the conditions was that Wike wanted the party to allow him nominate Ayu’s replacement, a signed commitment from Atiku to serve out only one term and that he (Wike) be allowed to also nominate principal officers of the National Assembly and some ministers if PDP wins the 2023 presidential election.