SIR: Nigerian politicians have institutionalised conflict because of their vested interests. Those in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have been embroiled in crisis, which has hindered the party’s progress amidst enormous lucre enjoyed by its chieftains.
In 1999, former President Obasanjo clashed with Chuba Okadigbo over senatorial presidency. Obasanjo’s hand-picking Evan Enwerem caused crisis that rattled the party. The same crisis occurred the same year over PDP chairmanship, leading to Tony Anenih’s sacking.
In 2012, Obasanjo’s ambition to run for a second term set him against Atiku, Na’Abba, Alex Ekwueme and some state governors. The crisis within the party during the Jonathan regime saw several defections of its elite to the All Progressives Congress (APC), and cost PDP its victory in 2015.
In 2017, Wike clashed with Ali Modu. Months after he’d silenced Uche Secondus, fresh hostility arose between him and Atiku in the build-up to the 2023 presidential election.
Currently, the storm started by Wike and Atiku rages in the PDP camp, tearing off the party’s rickety umbrella. As if the Greek goddess of politics is angry with Wike, sharp blades of dissension and disloyalty are severing his political dendrites and hacking down the genealogical trees of the swashbuckling FCT minister.
If aggrieved members of PDP plan retaliation against one another and ignore peace, they’d prepare to organise a dramatic burial for their party in 2027. Meanwhile, the party’s NEC is making serious efforts to reconcile its aggrieved members. Part of its agenda is the appointment of Olagunsoye Oyinlola as the chairman of the 25-member Reconciliation and Disciplinary Committee, with Senator Ibrahim Dankwambo as the secretary.
No matter how many people constitute the Committee, Wike has nailed his colours to the mast. Even Damagum can’t gum up the party that’s falling apart. Bukola Saraki lulled his political bromance with Wike sometime ago. Wike was Jonathan and Edwin Clark’s angel but became a Judas to them during the Buhari government.
If the search for a reconciliator(s) is extended to Rivers State, one observes that Amaechi and Wike are ‘good friends’ whilst Peter Odili, Celestine Omehia and Secondus have endorsed Wike’s current arch-foe (Governor Fubara). Diete-Spiff and Sergeant Awuse seem to have lost political relevance whilst Obasanjo and Atiku have parted company. Atiku-Wike rift is obviously part of the reason why the FCT minister is at daggers drawn with Fubara.
Reconciliation is being sought when the APC’s juju that dazed PDP since 2017 seems to be losing its potency. Actually, all Wike wanted then was for Atiku to quit the race so that presidency could come to the South South, a condition that didn’t suit the former VP who’s far more superior to Wike. From what is happening now, the FCT minister has stuck to his guns and no one, can change Wike’s mind except God.
I foresee a situation where PDP will form a reconciliation panel in one of the halls at Asokoro and the hall is presided over by God, who manifests as Deus ex Machina. I envisage a time when The stern-looking security operatives and a fleet of posh cars on Asokoro Street depict the presence of dignitaries.
In conclusion, it’s only God who can reconcile Wike with Atiku and Fubara.
Aladesohun Sola wrote from Port Harcourt.
