Crisis hits PDP over Secondus’ bid for second term

By Emmanuel Oladesu and Gbade Ogunwale

 

A crisis is brewing in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) over the ambition of its National Chairman, Prince Uche Secondus, to get a second term in office.

His current tenure will end in December.

Two blocs are fighting over the main opposition party’s soul ahead of its national convention due to the chairman’s ambition.

Secondus, who is from Rivers State, rode to the position on the back of Governor Nyesom Wike, one of the party’s financiers.

But there is no love lost between the governor and the chairman.

While the Rivers governor is not willing to endorse Secondus for a second term, the PDP Governors’ Forum appears to be comfortable with his ambition.

A source said the contrasting positions may have led to friction between Wike and his Sokoto State counterpart, Aminu Tambuwal.

Although it was being speculated that both Tambuwal and Wike harboured a 2023 presidential agenda, the source said the duo now have contrary opinions about the prospects of a joint ticket.

Read Also: 2023: Nigerians can’t wait to have PDP back in power, says Atiku

 

A source said Wike wants Secondus out because the next chairman and vice-presidential candidate cannot come from one state.

“Wike wants to be on joint PDP presidential ticket in 2023. With Secondus as chairman up to 2023, that chance will be lost. Secondus and Wike are from the same Southsouth, the same Rivers State.

“It is obvious that the PDP cannot field a Southsouth/Rivers man on its joint presidential ticket when the party chairman is also from Southsouth/Rivers. So, Secondus’ chairmanship will be an obstacle to Wike’s ambition,” added the source.

But Tambuwal is said to be supporting Secondus to retain the chair so that his bid for the PDP presidential ticket will sail smoothly.

He is reportedly banking on a running mate from the Southwest/Southeast.

So, he does not want the chairman to come from the Southwest or any part of the North.

According to party insiders, Wike and Tambuwal may fall apart, as former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar increases partisan rapport with the Rivers State governor ahead of the 2023 presidential nominations.

The source added: “If the Atiku-Wike romance sticks, it may jeopardise the prospects of Tambuwal/Wike ticket. On the other hand, the two serving governors may decide to agree to ditch Secondus for a Southwest man as PDP chair to enable them run together. The two have come a long way as strong political allies.”