Atiku, Wike will reconcile… don’t create bad blood, PDP BoT cautions members

The board of trustees (BoT) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has asked members to remain calm and avoid stirring up confusion in the party.

Walid Jibrin, chairman of the PDP BoT, gave the advice in a statement issued on Thursday.

He said the party’s leadership is working on resolving the rift between Atiku Abubakar, presidential candidate of the party, and Nyesom Wike, governor of Rivers.

“I wish to call on all members of PDP and all Nigerians to remain calm and never create bad blood and confusion in the state of our party noting that all efforts are on the ground for reconciliation between [Nyesom] Wike, the party and the presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar,” the statement reads.

“What is happening now should never be categorised as a problem but as a misunderstanding within the party. In this period leading to the 2023 elections, we should concentrate on how to win all positions to be contested and seriously adhere to the provision of the party constitution.

“My strong advice is for us to give strong support to the present reconciliation committee set up to resolve all issues. Thereafter, the BoT, the highest advisory organ of the party, will give more encouragement leading to greater success for the PDP.”

THE RIFT

The opposition party has been mired in crisis since the conclusion of its presidential primary election in May.

Wike had contested the presidential ticket but he lost to the former vice-president.

The cracks widened after Atiku Abubakar named Ifeanyi Okowa, governor of Delta, as his running mate for the 2023 presidential election.

Following the announcement, some party stakeholders expressed concerns that Abubakar overlooked Wike — who was said to have been recommended by a panel set up at Abubakar’s instance.

The division in the party worsened after Abubakar granted an interview to Arise TV, during which he explained his rationale for overlooking Wike.

Days after the interview, Wike fired back, accusing the party’s presidential candidate of telling “many lies”.

Efforts by PDP stakeholders and elders to resolve the crisis have made little progress.