The Renewed Controversy Over PDP’s Running Mate Choice The debate over the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) running mate selection during the 2023 presidential election has resurfaced. A report recently brought to light suggests that the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, was initially favored over Ifeanyi Okowa, a claim that contradicts former PDP presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar’s previous statements. Leaked Report Reignites Political Tensions The controversy was reignited by Mr. Lere Olayinka, an aide to Nyesom Wike. The PDP committee’s report, signed by former National Chairman Iyorchia Ayu and other key leaders, was dated June 14, 2022, and reportedly sighted by LMSINT MEDIA. The report, titled “Report of the Advisory Committee for the Selection of Presidential Running Mate,” indicated the following preference order: The committee’s decision was based on the broader interests of the party. The report was signed by notable PDP figures, including Umar I. Damagun, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, Bala Mohammed, Olusegun Mimiko, and David Mark. Atiku’s Claim vs. Wike’s Camp Response Atiku Abubakar, in an interview with Adesuwa Giwa-Osagie, claimed that the committee ranked Okowa as the top choice, with Wike coming second and Udom Emmanuel third. He defended his decision to pick Okowa based on the committee’s recommendation. However, Wike’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, accused Atiku of distorting facts. He urged the former Vice President to seek forgiveness, stating: “Someone needs to show this to Atiku so that he can seek forgiveness before Ramadan ends.” Olayinka further alleged that Atiku misrepresented the committee’s findings to justify his choice of Okowa. Atiku’s Camp Responds to Allegations Atiku’s media team dismissed Olayinka’s statements as an “emotional outburst” and reaffirmed that Okowa’s selection was based on intellect, composure, and statesmanship rather than party politics. In a statement, Atiku’s media office emphasized: “While we understand that bitterness often finds expression in misplaced aggression, we must remind Wike and his team that a bitter heart isn’t capable of charity, nor does it inspire unity, healing, or truth.” They reiterated that Atiku had no apologies for choosing Okowa over Wike, as the decision aligned with his vision for national leadership. Internal Party Division and Political Fallout The renewed controversy reflects the ongoing internal tensions within the PDP. While Wike’s faction insists on the validity of the leaked committee report, Atiku’s supporters maintain that his choice was the right decision for the party and the nation. This division highlights broader challenges within the PDP as it seeks to rebuild its political strategy ahead of future elections. Conclusion The verbal war between Atiku and Wike’s camps over Okowa’s selection as PDP’s running mate in 2023 underscores lingering political rivalries. As the PDP navigates these internal disputes, the party’s ability to unite and strategize for upcoming elections remains a critical concern. For further insights into Nigeria’s political landscape, check out our in-depth analysis on Nigerian Political Party Leadership and Election Strategy and Political Alliances. ThisDay Live’s analysis on PDP’s internal conflicts READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Channel
Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, representing Abia South, has expressed his belief that Nigeria would be in a better state if Peter Obi, the Labour Party candidate, had emerged victorious in the 2023 presidential election. Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Monday, Abaribe highlighted the flaws of the current administration and outlined how Obi’s leadership could have addressed these issues. Abaribe Criticizes Nepotism in Tinubu’s Administration Abaribe accused President Bola Tinubu’s government of perpetuating nepotism, citing the appointment of four ministers from Ogun State while many other states have only one. He argued that such favoritism was deepened under Tinubu, following a similar trend under former President Muhammadu Buhari. “If Peter Obi had won, you probably would have seen a better Nigeria than what we are seeing today. Number one, he would not be as nepotistic as this government. It’s not in him,” Abaribe stated. Revamping the South-East The senator urged the South-East region to focus on self-development rather than waiting for fairness from the central government. He stressed the need for the region to improve its livability, cohesion, and overall development, adding that the zone cannot continue relying on federal equity. “Apart from Obasanjo and Jonathan, no president has been fair to the South-East. It’s time for us to take charge of our own destiny,” Abaribe said. Simon Ekpa’s Arrest and South-East Violence Addressing the arrest of Simon Ekpa, a Finland-based pro-Biafra agitator, Abaribe described it as a positive development. He noted that Ekpa’s actions have fueled violence in the South-East, and his apprehension might discourage instigators at home. “The Igbo have always condemned the actions of people like Ekpa, who incite violence from foreign lands,” Abaribe remarked. Abaribe also called for the release of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), stating that many violent actors in the region misuse Kanu’s name to justify their actions. Conclusion Senator Abaribe’s statements underline the growing discontent with the current administration’s perceived favoritism and the need for self-reliance in the South-East. His remarks also shed light on the importance of addressing the root causes of violence in the region to foster peace and development. READ ALSO:
