PDP Crisis Rooted in Wider Challenges, Not Just Atiku vs Wike, Says Senate Caucus

The Senate caucus of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has stated that the ongoing turmoil within the party is not solely centered around the disagreements between PDP’s 2023 presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike. According to the caucus, the crisis has deeper roots, touching on existential challenges facing the party.

Abba Moro, the Senate Minority Leader and head of the PDP Senate caucus, emphasized that the outcome of the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting on Thursday, where the acting national chairman, Amb Umar Lliya Damagum, retained his position, should not be seen as a victory for Wike or a defeat for Atiku. Instead, it was a move to ensure stability within the party. He noted that the NEC’s decision to maintain Damagum’s leadership, despite calls for his removal, indicated a collective agreement to navigate through the current crisis with caution.

Tensions within the party had been brewing, with some stakeholders from the North Central zone demanding that Damagum vacate the national chairmanship, allowing their region to appoint a replacement. Despite these internal pressures, the PDP NEC resolved that Damagum would oversee the conduct of upcoming state congresses.

Moro pointed out that the core of the crisis is not centered on the Atiku-Wike rivalry, but rather on broader issues affecting the party’s direction. He highlighted the party’s focus on providing an alternative platform for Nigerians disillusioned with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). The PDP is keen on not alienating its supporters or deepening existing divisions.

Regarding Wike’s continued participation in PDP meetings, Moro explained that the former Rivers State governor couldn’t be excluded since he has not faced any official disciplinary action. He added that if the party’s disciplinary committee, headed by Senator Bukola Saraki, found Wike guilty of anti-party activities, he would face consequences. However, as it stands, there has been no formal sanction against Wike.

The minority leader emphasized that PDP’s constitution has a clear process for addressing party issues, including disciplinary measures and leadership succession. He called for restraint and urged party members to avoid exacerbating the crisis with divisive actions or rhetoric. As the party prepares for its next NEC meeting in August, the focus remains on reconciliation and maintaining a unified front as it navigates through these challenging times.