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Tag: PDP Crisis

  • Finally, Jonathan speaks on PDP crisis

    Finally, Jonathan speaks on PDP crisis

    Former President Goodluck Jonathan has denied any involvement in the crisis currently rocking the Peoples Democratic Party.

    Five governors are currently at loggerhead with the party’s presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, and are insisting on the removal of the PDP Chairman, Iyorchia Ayu.

    There have been unsuccessful moves by the party to bring the warring parties to the negotiation table as governors Nyesom Wike, Seyi Makinde, Okezie Ikpeazu, Samuel Ortom and Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Rivers, Oyo, Abia, Benue and Enugu states, respectively, continue to keep a distance  from Atiku’s presidential campaign activities and insisting on Ayu’s removal.

    A former governor of Benue State, Gabriel Suswam, had on Thursday stated on Arise Television programme, The Morning Show, that Jonathan had been drafted to resolve the crisis.

    Reports indicated that the aggrieved governors had thrown open the door of reconciliation, with Atiku immediately pledging his readiness to negotiate with them in the overall interest of the party.

    Reacting to the development, the former President in a statement signed by his Media Adviser, Ikechukwu Eze, denied having anything to do with the crisis rocking the party.

    The statement titled, ‘Re: Aggrieved PDP governors loyal to Jonathan’, read in part, “Our attention has been drawn to news media and social media reports linking former President Dr Goodluck Jonathan’s name to the current troubles in the Peoples Democratic Party with a false claim that the aggrieved PDP governors are demonstrating their loyalty to him.

    “We would have ignored the strange tale since it is obviously baseless. However, we are offering this clarification because we have been reached by many Nigerians, who are concerned that such fabrication with a vague and suspicious attribution could be given undeserved prominence on the front pages of some national dailies.

    “We are also not unmindful of the fact that, this being an electioneering season, bizarre tales are often contrived, propagated and weaponised to either smear others or deliver cheap political advantage to the purveyors.

    “First, we would like to make the point that it is not out of place if there were crises in a political party like the PDP and a former President, who served under the party’s platform, is called upon to intervene. That being the case, we initially did not see anything wrong with the headlines in some papers, indicating that the former President was being persuaded to help resolve the issues in the party.

    “However, we are dismayed that the seemingly purpose-minded headlines were only cast to mask the mischief of the sponsors of the story and hoodwink the unsuspecting populace. Our attention was called to provocative and insulting statements in separate but similar versions of the story in different news media, either claiming that ‘the whole thing we are seeing in the PDP…is orchestrated for President Jonathan’, or that ‘he (Jonathan) is encouraging governors Nyesom Wike, Makinde, Ikpeazu, Ugwuanyi and Ortom to behave the way they are doing’, knowing that ‘these five governors are fighting his cause’.

    “We believe that such duplicitous statements could not have emanated from the camps of those who truly wish the party well. It simply shows that the so-called ‘sources’ of the story are not disposed to the peace and unity they pretend to be seeking in the PDP.”

    The former President also dismissed claims that he was nursing a grudge against the party’s flag bearer, Atiku.

  • PDP Crisis: Why I’m Standing with Wike Despite Pressure – Ortom

    PDP Crisis: Why I’m Standing with Wike Despite Pressure – Ortom

    The Benue state governor, Samuel Ortom hosted his colleagues Nyesom Wike of Rivers, Seyi Makinde of Oyo, Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia, and Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu on Sunday in Makurdi, the Benue state capital.

    The governor, in a statement described Wike as a “worthy friend” who has always shown support for the people of Benue.

    “When Benue was under siege, he donated N250 million and he subsequently spent over N700 million to support the state to tackle the humanitarian crisis occasioned by the unwarranted attacks,” Ortom said.

    “He did not stop at that. He convinced Emmanuel Udom of Akwa Ibom to also assist the state and he donated N200 million to us.”
    “Is he not a worthy friend? He is a worthy friend and we are working together to liberate the country.

    “Many have wondered why I have chosen to swim with Wike. Many have wondered why I have chosen to work with him in darkness and in the midst of storms and threats and also trial and brimstone.

    “This is a man who stood with us during our trying times and came out, did not fear about threats of the federal government or federal might, but came out and say look, if you kill Ortom, you have killed Nigeria.

    “They call it farmers/herders fight. We say it’s all lies; Fulani is coming to invade us. Wike came out, brought stakeholders from Rivers state and they came here. Wike offered us solidarity and in faith with the Benue people and give his commitment.”

    Wike had contested the PDP presidential election in May but lost to Atiku Abubakar.
    The Rivers governor also lost the PDP vice-presidential ticket after Atiku picked Ifeanyi Okowa, governor of Delta, over Wike who was recommended by a panel comprising governors and national working committee (NWC) members.

    The Rivers governor is at the forefront of the campaign for the resignation of Iyorchia Ayu as the national chairman of PDP.

    Despite being from the same Tiv-speaking part of Benue with Ayu, Ortom has insisted that Wike’s demand be met.

    According to Ortom, Wike has been unfairly treated by PDP.

    “Injustice has been meted to Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers, and it must be addressed. Justice must be served to him,” Ortom said in September.

    “Wike stood and supported the party and he should be given due attention.”
    The five governors have boycotted the PDP presidential campaign

  • PDP crisis: Aggrieved Govs to sustain fight against Atiku, Ayu

    PDP crisis: Aggrieved Govs to sustain fight against Atiku, Ayu

    Aggrieved Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governors yesterday resolved to sustain their battle against the presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar.

    They also resolved to sustain the tempo of agitation for the resignation of National Chairman Iyorchia Ayu, who enjoys the support of the flag bearer.

    The G5, which held a crucial meeting in Makurdi, capital of Benue State, is also trying to woo more aggrieved chieftains to its camp from the six geo-political zones to make its onslaught to acquire a national outlook.

    It was also gathered that the aggrieved governors are trying to mobilise their camps in their respective states to resist ‘divide and rule tactics’ allegedly employed by the presidential candidate to undermine and destabilise their structures.

    Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike and his colleagues-Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia) and Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu) — are being hosted by Governor Sam Orton, who is flagging off campaigns for governorship and parliamentary elections in Makurdi today.

    They have insisted that Ayu, who hails from Benue, should quit, claiming that he had voluntarily promised to leave, if a northerner was picked as presidential candidate.

    A source said the five governors have resolved to be in one accord in their opposition to Atiku, who is unwilling to prevail on Ayu to quit as chairman.

    Although the five governors are also under pressure to have a rethink and make more sacrifices, they have resolved to fight on, following moves by Atiku to instigate some party chieftains against them in their states.

    The source, who is close to one of the governors, said it is too late for the G5 to discontinue their agitations for Ayu’s sack.

    He said:”G5 is also fighting to keep its camp intact and resisting moves by Atiku to polarise them. It may also be possible that the governors are receiving motivation from outside forces.

    “Part of their strategies is to attend fully any activity organised by any of them, particularly during the campaigns.”

    The source said the PDP had mismanaged the crisis by underating Wike and his colleagues.

    He added: ”The battle started long time ago. It started ahead of the convention for the election of the national chairman. Although Wike and his group supported Ayu, little did they guess that he is a staunch supporter of Atiku.

    “But, the challenge now is that if Ayu steps down, the five governors may invent another not to support Akitu.”

    Ortom, while giving his opening remarks at the cocktail organised for his colleague, said: “To hell with Atiku and any one supporting him.”

    Ortom asked Ayu to honour the agreement to step down.

    He said: “If you don’t honour agreement, you create problems. That’s why there are problem in the party today.

    ” Some people are blackmailing me for calling on Ayu to resign, Yes, because I can’t betray Governor Nyesome Wike. He was the one who supported Ayu to emerge as the National chairman. So, it would amount to betrayal if Ayu reneges on his promise and expect me to support him because he is a Benue man like me.”

    Ortom stressed that Wike has no problem with Benue people, but only fighting for equity and justice.

    He said 18 people were killed in Guma Local Government area last week by herdmen who were trying to take over Benue land, yet some people wanted him to keep quite.

    Ortom said: “At 62, I am ready to die. I have written my will. God has been good. My age mates are long dead. So, nobody should black mail me with Senate. Senate or no Senate, to hell with Atiku.”

  • PDP Crisis: Wike Dares Ayu To Stop Candidates From Contesting Election

    PDP Crisis: Wike Dares Ayu To Stop Candidates From Contesting Election

    Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike has dared the National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Iyorchia Ayu to stop any candidate of the party from contesting an election if he thinks he has the powers to do so.

    Governor Wike stated this during a media briefing at his residence in Port Harcourt on Sunday while reacting to a recent comment by Senator Ayu that he has the power to stop any candidate, particularly from Benue State, following the attacks on his person.

    Ayu was quoted as saying this in his Tiv dialect while addressing the crowd that welcomed him home in Gboko on Friday. He was also quoted as saying that no one can sack him from office.

    But Wike believes the comment is further damage to the image of the PDP which should be gaining the trust and confidence of the public to rescue Nigeria.

    “He has now come into the office, seen money, seen power, now he can open his mouth to say he could have stopped Ortom. And he said he can also stop any contestant now. We dare him. I dare Ayu to stop any contestant if he has what it takes,” he said.

    “Why is he (Ayu) not resigning? He is hoping Nigerians would donate money to the party so he would again superintend over that money. He has already finished over N11 billion party primaries money. Account for it, he says the public should go into the account. We say show us the money. Print the account of PDP, and let the world see how you expended the money.

    “This is the party all of us have laboured to take over power from ruling All Progressives Congress that has done badly. Then the national chairman would open his mouth to talk about stopping contestants. Ayu shouldn’t dare. He knows he can’t do it, knows he has no such power. He is just playing to the gallery. He tried it in Rivers state, came to manipulate, and tried to put some guber aspirants, but we saw the results. We dealt with him.”

    Wike reiterated that the calls for Ayu to quit the post are based on the need for inclusiveness and also for the national chairman to fulfill his promise.

    “For you to be sacked there are procedures to follow. Nobody has said you are sacked. We are saying if at this point you’re a national chairman who has told Nigerians that this is what you do if that happens and you’re running away from doing that, how do you think Nigerians will now believe you if you tell them to vote for your party?” the governor asked.

    “If you say you will not honour or keep to integrity, we have no problem with that thing that is giving you confidence. What we are saying is that we want our party to win, but if you think you can do without keeping to promises you have made, so be it. Saying nobody can sack him tells you the impunity in him.”

    He accused Ayu of being ungrateful to Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State.

    “I heard when he said he could have stopped Ortom from running for election. You see how ungrateful human beings can be. This was the same Governor Ortom who pleaded with us to say I can take the risk of letting Ayu become national chairman, without being greedy.

    “The agreement by PDP governors was that no national chairman should come from where a governor comes from. We agreed on that, but Ortom came. And as a man we respect, he said I want to promote my people in national politics. We said okay, on your honour we let him (Ayu) be,” he said.

    “This is a man who never campaigned anywhere, never printed a poster to be national chairman. Even money they gave him to print posters, he never printed any. And he (Ayu) is the one saying if he wanted to stop who brought him, a man who stood as a guarantor for him, he could have done so.”

  • 2 APC Governors Visit Wike In Port Harcourt Amid PDP Crisis

    2 APC Governors Visit Wike In Port Harcourt Amid PDP Crisis

    Amid political permutations ahead of the 2023 general elections, two All Progressives Congress (APC) governors on Wednesday night visited Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike in Port Harcourt, the state capital.

    The two APC governors – Governor Dave Umahi of Ebonyi State and his Cross River State counterpart, Ben Ayade; were accompanied by Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State.

    Wike and Ikpeazu are power brokers in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The duo alongside three other PDP governors (Oyo, Enugu and Benue) have for months demanded the removal of PDP National Chairman, Iyorchia Ayu as a precondition to support the party’s Presidential Candidate, Atiku Abubakar.

    On the other hand, Umahi dumped the PDP in November 2020 and joined the APC. He would later contest the APC presidential primary mid-2022 but lost to former Lagos State governor, Bola Tinubu.

    Similarly, Ayade left the PDP for the APC in May 2021 and jostled to be the ruling party’s flag bearer. However, like Umahi, he was trounced by Tinubu.

    Wike and Umahi were former allies before the latter’s move to the APC. The two engaged in war of words following the defection of the Ebonyi State governor to the APC.

    However, the former foes may have perfectly sealed their reconciliation as Umahi, for the third time within six months, on Wednesday night, visited Wike in Port Harcourt. He previously visited the Rivers governor in June and in August 2022.

    Though the details of Wednesday’s meeting were unknown as of press time as none of the four governors addressed journalists after the closed-door session, there are indications of a formidable political alliance ahead of next February’s presidential poll.

  • 2023: Wike, Other Aggrieved Govs leave for Spain Amid PDP Crisis

    2023: Wike, Other Aggrieved Govs leave for Spain Amid PDP Crisis

    The aggrieved governor of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) known as G5 has travelled to Spain for a crucial meeting amid the crisis rocking the party.

    The Nation gathered that the governors left the country for Madrid on Friday night hours after the Rivers Governor laid more allegations on the party Chairman, Iyorchia Ayu.

    Those on board with Wike are Governors Seyi Makinde (Oyo); Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia) and Samuel Ortom (Benue) as the Enugu State governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi may join subsequently.

    Recall that Wike, during a media chat in Port Harcourt on Friday, heaped more allegations on Ayu maintaining that the national chairman lacked the integrity to lead the party’s campaign for 2023.

    Following the outcome of the party’s presidential primary election, the aggrieved Governors had insisted that it is unfair for the party to have the national chairman and presidential candidate from the North.

    They said until Ayu resigns his position as chairman of the party, they would jettison the party’s presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar in the 2023 election.

  • PDP Crisis: I Won’t Back Down Until Ayu Cedes his Position To The South – Wike

    PDP Crisis: I Won’t Back Down Until Ayu Cedes his Position To The South – Wike

    Rivers State governor, Nyesom Wike, has stated that the refusal to cede the national chairmanship to the South by the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), will be a recipe for crisis in the party.

    He stressed that his effort for amicable resolution of the crisis rocking the PDP, has been frustrated by rent seeker in the party.

    The governor declared that nobody can convince him to change his stance that the PDP should yield its national chairman position to Southern Nigeria.

    Governor Wike stated this when he hosted Cross River State PDP governorship, senatorial, House of Representatives, House of Assembly candidates and PDP local government party chairmen, at his private residence in Rumueprikom, Obio/Akpor, Wednesday night.

    During the meeting attended by the party’s South-South national vice chairman, Chief Dan Orbih, Governor Wike explained that the seeming intractable crisis in the party had lingered because some vested interests, whom he described as “hyenas and rent seekers,” have remained obstinate and averse to justice, fairness and equity in the party.

    “We have finished presidential primaries, we have a presidential candidate. Is Wike saying remove presidential candidate? Is Wike saying remove vice presidential candidate? So, what are you begging me for? All I am saying, and I will continue to say is that you have taken president, give us (national) chairman.

    “Nobody wants to speak the truth. If I am saying remove the presidential candidate, if I am saying remove the vice presidential candidate, then you will say why is he doing this.”

    Governor Wike, maintained that he cannot be convinced to support the current status quo, where the PDP presidential candidate, national chairman and the Director General of the presidential campaign council are all from the north.

    “He (national chairman) said, if the presidential candidate comes from the north, he will resign , which means he has had this in mind. Now, the thing has come to reality, now resign, no. And people are saying go and talk to Wike.

    “I’ve accepted the presidential candidate, I have accepted the vice presidential candidate, what’s the problem again. You, fulfil your part. Let the South have something, that is all I’m preaching. You cannot have presidential candidate, national chairman, director general of the campaign.”

    The governor said it is hypocritical for some people in the PDP to criticise Muslim/Muslim ticket, while supporting that a particular region of the country should retain the presidency for another eight years.

    He insisted that for the sake of holistic peace, PDP should adhere to the tenets of its constitution, which explicitly recommends that when a presidential candidate emerges from the north, the national chairman should be from the South.

    The governor said the clamour for the chairman of the PDP to be zoned to the South will persist until justice, fairness and equity prevail in the PDP.

    “This is period that power game is being played. If you don’t have it now, forget it. If anybody tells you, let (Iyorchia) Ayu resign after election is conducted, then you are a foolish person. This is the time decision is being made. This is the time the presidential candidate, national chairman and the leader of campaign will sit, when election is won in February, before the president is sworn in, decisions would have been made.”

    The governor disclosed that he has commenced full blown politicking ahead of the 2023 general elections, adding that those who want to undermine him and his allies will be doing so at their own peril.

    He thanked Cross River PDP delegates for the support given to him during the presidential primary. According to him, he will remain eternally grateful to them and all the other delegates that voted for him.

    “If there is nothing I achieved, I can go home and sleep that I won Cross River State. Not only did I win, I won very well. I feel so happy and that tells you of people who have character of steadfastness. People who will never be pushed around for whatever it is. People who believe in the principles of life, people who believe in fairness, justice and equity.”

  • Wike is PDP’s greatest asset – Ayu

    Wike is PDP’s greatest asset – Ayu

    The National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Iyorchia Ayu, has described Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State as a great asset to the party.

    Ayu said Wike has helped to rescue PDP since time immemorial.

    The PDP National Chairman disclosed this through his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Communication, Yusuf Dingyadi, in a chat with journalists in Kaduna on Tuesday.

    He said: “We are trying to see that everyone is giving a fear hearing. As we speak, the local reconciliation committee is meeting with party members at the state level to discuss issues and find solutions to those issues.

    “For example, Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, is one of the great assets to PDP. He is a leader, governor, and somebody who has helped to rescue PDP since time immemorial.

    “Since Ayu took over as the chairman of the party to date, he has made tremendous progress in building the party in all 36 States including the FCT Abuja.”

    Wike has been aggrieved with PDP over the refusal of the party’s presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, to pick him as his running mate.

  • 2023: Again Wike, Peter Obi Meets Amid PDP Crisis

    2023: Again Wike, Peter Obi Meets Amid PDP Crisis

    Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, on Friday hosted the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, in Port Harcourt.

    Wike confirmed his meeting with Obi in a post on his verified Facebook page on Friday evening.

    Sharing two pictures, Wike said he was pleased to host Peter Obi again.

    “It was nice hosting my brother, Peter Obi once again,” the caption attached to the photo read.

    As Wike kept mute about the purpose of his meeting with Obi, there are speculations that he and other aggrieved leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) may support Obi’s ambition in 2023.

    Recall that Obi and Wike were presidential aspirants of the PDP before the former Anambra governor defected to the Labour Party to actualize his ambition.

    Wike, who has vowed not to leave the PDP, lost the PDP primary to Atiku Abubakar. He also lost the running mate ticket to Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State.

    Since then, Wike and some governors of the PDP have been calling for the resignation of the PDP National Chairman, Iyorchia Ayu.

    He has since refused to support Atiku Abubakar despite all entreaties to pacify him and his group.

  • PDP Crisis: Ortom Counters Wike’s Camp On Ayu’s Removal

    PDP Crisis: Ortom Counters Wike’s Camp On Ayu’s Removal

    Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom, yesterday, dismissed insinuations that he was in support of the removal of National Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr. Iyorchia Ayu, saying it is impossible for him to advocate the removal of someone he helped to appoint. Ortom reasserted his confidence in Ayu’s ability to lead the party to victory in next year’s general election, in a surprising contrast to the position of his close ally, Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike.

    The governor was reacting to accusations by a group, Jemgbagh Development Association, that he was involved in the ouster moves against the PDP national chairman, a fellow Benue man.

    But more PDP stakeholders continued to mount pressure on the party’s presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, to persuade Ayu to resign in the larger interest.

    Ortom’s position directly contradicts that of the group he belongs to in PDP, the camp of Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike. The Wike camp’s irreducible minimum condition for resolution of the crisis that started after he was by-passed for Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa in the selection of presidential running mate was Ayu’s ouster.

    The group, which Ortom is an active member of, has for months insisted that Ayu must resign for a southerner to occupy the PDP chairmanship post.

    Observers are, however, unsure of what Ortom’s latest statement represents, even as the Wike camp continues to dig its heels in, maintaining that Ayu must go.

    Relatedly, the PDP Presidential Campaign Council said the party was not threatened by other candidates in the 2023 presidential election. The council said its candidate, Atiku, and his running mate, Okowa, stood tall above other candidates in the election.

    The campaign council also dismissed some recent outbursts of the Rivers State governor as frivolous and senseless.

    The council’s reactions came as Atiku appointed some prominent members of the party as special advisers, an idea he said was aimed at strengthening his presidential campaign team.

    Those appointed included former Senate Presidents, Dr. Bukola Saraki and Senator Pius Anyim; former governor of Kano State, Senator Ibrahim Shekarau; former governor of Osun State, Olagunsoye Oyinlola; Senator Ehigie Uzamere; and former national chairman of the party, Uche Secondus.

    Ortom, in a statement in Abuja by his Chief Press Secretary, Nathaniel Ikyur, said it was an open secret that he worked tirelessly, alongside other prominent Benue citizens, to ensure that Ayu was elected “as the national chairman of our great party even against all odds.”

    To this extent, the statement said, “The governor could not, therefore, turn around to work against him to be removed from office.”

    It described as mischievous “allegations by an amorphous, little known group parading itself as Jemgbagh Development Association, Abuja chapter, that the Benue governor has a hand in Ayu’s current travails”.

    Ortom maintained that with the backing of many leaders of the PDP, who believed his sense of judgment, they worked relentlessly in the run up to the party’s national convention to market Ayu as having the requisite capacity to lead PDP, especially, in the 2023 general election.

    The statement said, “Governor Ortom vouched for the integrity and capacity of Dr Iyorchia Ayu to lead and rebuild the PDP to victory and rescue Nigeria from the misrule of the APC maladministration. That is why Ayu was returned unopposed by the northern caucus of the party and got elected as the national chairman of the PDP at the party’s convention.

    “Where was Jemgbagh Development Association, when Governor Ortom galvanised support from across the leaders of the party to make Dr. Ayu PDP’s National Chairman? What was their contribution to that project that they now want to use clannish stance to blackmail the governor?”

    He further described as laughable how “this amorphous and emergency Jemgbagh Development Association, Abuja, which has never been heard of before, is now masquerading as the voice of Jemgbagh to embark on campaign of calumny against Governor Ortom, who has worked selflessly for the people of Benue State.

    “Governor Ortom is more Jemgbagh than most of the people claiming it now. This is fact, because he has done more for Jemgbagh, both in terms of appointments and projects executed as well as patronage in the area, than even one of the Jemgbagh sons, who was governor. Besides, Governor Ortom has consistently worked for the unity of Benue State and will never stand in the way of any of her citizens, either here in the state or in the diaspora

    “For those, who claimed to be leaders of this Jemgbagh Development Association, Abuja, we urge them to be truly developmental in their drive to build cohesion among the people and attract real development to their area rather than engaging in mischief or blackmail.”