Ahead of NEC Meeting, PDP Governors Move To Seize Party Structure, Challenge Atiku, Wike

Amid the battle for the control of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) between the camps of former Vice President Atiku Abubukar and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, there are indications that the governors elected on the party’s platform are actually warming up to seize control of the party’s structures, THISDAY’s investigation has revealed.

The party has scheduled its National Executive Committee meeting for Thursday, April 18.                                                  

THISDAY gathered that the governors, who are the major financiers of the party are spoiling for a showdown with the two party chieftains.

A source close to the PDP Governors’ Forum, who is privy to the development, told THISDAY that the governors believe that they deserve to control the party due to their enormous contributions to the running of the party.                           

“What is Wike and Atiku contributing to the day-to-day running of the party?” he queried.

The source added: “You watch out what will happen on the day of the NEC meeting; he who pays the piper will dictate the tune of the music that day,” he added.

THISDAY gathered that the governors are holding a series of meetings ahead of the NEC meeting to decide the fate of the party.

Another source close to the PDP Governors’ Forum said: “The governors have their own plans, and will not allow Atiku or Wike to control the party. The PDP governors would be holding their meetings from Tuesday and Wednesday and thereafter come up with their own position.

 “We are a party in opposition; the governors are our collegiate leaders, unlike when PDP was in power and the President is the leader of the party. So, no single person can control the party,” the source stated 

THISDAY gathered that the first meeting of the governors comes up on Wednesday. 

 “No matter the position or alignment of the National Working Committee (NWC), it would be difficult for them to execute any plan without the full cooperation of the governors because they fund the day- to- day running of the party.

“The governors maintain and service the party structures in the states as the leaders of the party. It would be absolutely difficult for them to remain on the sidelines and allow Atiku and Wike to control the party structures at the states and at the centre. 

“These governors are politicians and have interests to protect.

“For instance, the Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum, Governor Bala Moammed has presidential ambition and this is common knowledge; therefore, he is not expected to fold his hands and allow Wike and Atiku to determine his fate 

“There are other governors who will be concluding their second term in office as governors; they have other political interests and therefore it cannot be said that Atiku and Wike would be alwed to control the structures.

“Look at what is happening in Rivers State; do you think that Governor Simi Fubara will just look and Wike to control the party in the state?

“Already, what is happening in the state will happen at the national level. So, it is not fair to say that Wike and Atiku will have the control of the party,” the source explained.

Meanwhile, a new twist has emerged in the race to replace the suspended National Chairman of the PDP, Dr. Iyorchia Ayu as his planned replacement may be an exercise in futility unless the suspended national chairman voluntarily resigns or withdraws the appeal he instituted in the courts.

Lawyers in the PDP said that it is a common knowledge that no action can be taken on any action pending at any of the courts, be it appeal or at the Supreme Court.

 Meanwhile, a Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed April 16 for the hearing of a suit seeking to stop former National Chairman of the PDP, Uche Secondus, from participating in the party’s NEC meeting.

Justice Inyang Ekwo, in a short ruling, also fixed the same date in a separate suit filed to bar former Rivers State Governor, Celestine Omehia, from attending the PDP’s NEC meeting pending the hearing and determination of the matter.

Chuks Okocha

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