Frictions Within PDP Over Atiku's Presidential Running Mate Choice

Strategic Insights -

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) faces internal frictions following the selection of Delta State governor Sen Ifeanyi Okowa as Atiku's running mate, despite Wike's emergence as the candidate of a 17-member advisory committee. This move has led to concerns about party unity ahead of the Osun State governorship election. Although efforts are being made to appease Wike, the Rivers State governor remains absent from party events, fueling speculation about a possible defection.

Key Takeaways:

  • Only two out of 13 PDP governors, Okowa and Ishaku Darius of Taraba State, attended the inauguration of the party's campaign council for Osun State governorship election.
  • Absence of PDP governors comes amid concerns about frictions within the party over the way the choice of the presidential running mate was handled.
  • Rivers State governor, Wike, is in Turkey for vacation with Abia State counterpart, Okezie Ikpeazu, and has played host to leaders of opposition parties, sparking rumors of a possible defection from PDP.
  • Benue State governor Samuel Ortom raised doubts over his support for PDP's presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, citing Atiku's failure to live up to expectations and implying that it was the turn of the South to produce the next president.
  • Former Ekiti State governor, Ayo Fayose, also questioned the legitimacy of Atiku's candidacy, citing the PDP Constitution's provision for a rotational presidency and stating that the South should take turns producing the president.
  • National chairman, Dr Iyorchia Ayu, is on a two-week vacation, but denies rumors of his suspension by the party's NWC, stating that he remains the PDP National Chairman and has transmitted power to the Deputy National Chairman in acting capacity.

Statistics:

  • 13 governors of PDP were listed as members of the campaign council, but only two attended the inauguration.
  • 17-member advisory committee was set up to choose Atiku's running mate, which nominated Wike, but Atiku chose Delta State governor, Okowa instead.
  • 2 weeks is the duration of Dr Iyorchia Ayu's vacation.
  • 14 out of the 17 members of the advisory committee agreed that Wike should be Atiku's running mate.
  • Benue State governor, Samuel Ortom said, "I am in hibernation, I am fasting and praying. When I finish the prayers and whatever God directs me that I should support him, I will do."
  • Wike has been absent from party events for over a week and has met with leaders of opposition parties.

Sources:

  • [Punch Newspapers]
  • [Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)]
  • [Social Media Posts]