PDP splits over Atiku-Wike rift, delaying reconciliation

The Peoples Democratic Party remains divided over the disagreement between Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, and Atiku Abubakar, the party’s choice for president in 2023.

Both the former governor of Rivers State and the vice president were operating against their own interests and clinging to their PDP structures.

In order to oppose Atiku in the 2023 presidential election, Wike organized the G5 governors, which also included Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu), Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Samuel Ortom (Benue), and Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia).

Atiku’s camp resisted the G5 group’s demand that Iyorchia Ayu, the now-suspended national chairman of the PDP, step down in order to allow for a North-South balance in the party’s power-sharing formula.

President Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress defeated Atiku in the election.

Despite being a member of the PDP, Wike is currently the Minister of Federal Capital Territory in the administration headed by the APC.

In an interview, a PDP chieftain disclosed that the party’s organs were divided into two groups—one for Wike and another for Atiku.

The source, who wished to remain anonymous, asked, “How do we reconcile? When the organs are divided, how can the party regroup or move forward? The party is split as we speak. Just as it is going to be in 2023, with one group supporting Wike and another supporting Atiku.

The National Working Committee is divided between supporters of Wike and Atiku. The PDP Board of Trustees members are devoted to Wike and Atiku. He also said that the PDP Governors’ Forum, which should lead the party, is split, with some governors still supporting Wike, some supporting Atiku, and a few remaining impartial.

This is the reason the party looked dead, the source added. Given that Wike and Atiku are still party members and are directing their camps to work against one another, the PDP is no longer able to speak with a single voice.

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“Tell me, will Atiku’s camp move to sanction its members while Wike’s camp folds its hands?” he said. Or will Wike’s group be allowed to stay in the party in spite of what they did under the observation of Atiku’s camp? How then do you make them reconcile?

“They are delaying peace talks. Additionally, the party might not experience peace as long as they both stay members and collaborate against one another.

The PDP’s Deputy National Youth Leader, Timothy Osadolor, stated in an interview with our correspondent that Wike had proven he didn’t have the best interests of the party in mind.

“Unfortunate that the PDP leadership does not have the balls to force Wike out of the party for peace to reign,” he said.

“Wike spent more than 15 years as a member of this party. He made friends throughout these years who hold positions with different PDP organs. Osadolor continued, “so some of his friends allow emotions to override the cause of justice.”

According to Dr. Umar Ardo, the former special adviser to Atiku, the former vice president was losing the respect of the PDP governors.

He said, “So, the Atiku group seems to either lack or be unable to implement tact and sophisticated strategy, which is needed to deal with Wike in the party.”

For the PDP to have long-lasting peace, Ardo pleaded with Atiku to give up on his presidential ambition.

Additionally, Dr. Eddy Olafeso, the former vice chairman of the PDP for South West and Wike, urged Atiku and Wike’s team to embrace justice and peace.