The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar is looking at another measure to calm the nerves of Rivers state governor, Nyesom Wike.
Wike and some leadership of the party has been at loggerheads after he was overlooked for the position of the party’s Vice presidential slot.
Wike has been demanding that the National Chairman Iyorchia Ayu should step down if the Atiku camp is really interested in resolving the crisis.
The governor revealed that hours after the Abuja primary, Atiku told him that Ayu will go because it is unfair that the flagbearer and chairman are from the same region.
But after series of meetings Ayu refused to leave or resign and Wike has not been happy about it.
The National Executive Committee (NEC) passed a vote of confidence in him last week, an indication they are not favorably disposed to Wike’s wish.
A cheiftain of the party, Charles Aniagwu noted that sacking Ayu would further plunge the PDP into deeper crisis.
The Delta Commissioner for Information, who confirmed that different options are being weighed, fears a forceful exit of Ayu would create a constitutional crisis.
Aniagwu said because the offices were elective, if Ayu leaves and the seat is conceded to the South, the provisions of the PDP constitution would be offended.
He further revealed that if Ayu leaves and a Southerner is elected, the top three positions would be occupied by Southerner.
“If you decide to bring these two positions to the South, have you also made arrangements to take the National Secretary to the North?”, he quipped.
While some party chieftains believe the party should placate Wike, others warn of the legal issues that could emerge and distract the campaign ahead of the general polls.
Wike already dismissed the resignation of Walid Jibrin as the Board of Trustees (BoT) Chairman and the emergence of Adolphus Wabara.
A source said Bode George, a former Deputy National Chairman (South), was initially considered for the role but “did not accept it”.
The governor described the BoT as a mere advisory body, warning that he would fire more salvos if the right thing is not done.
Wike revealed that somebody in the presidency was backing Atiku in his quest to occupy Aso Rock in 2023.
“I will tell Nigerians at the appropriate time…the person in the presidency that is backing them”, he told a gathering in Rivers.
