Why PDP is Wike’s final stop in 2023 — Phrank Shaibu reveals

By Adeleye Kunle

In what ways do so-called democratic leaders in developing countries seek to legitimize their rule and maintain power? First, they seize control of the entire state apparatus; they install a massive apparatus of repression and coercion, mismanaging the economy in the process.

To alleviate pressure from the civilized world, they hold elections and rig them in their favor. In order to keep power, they try to snare some key opposition figures to give the arrangement some legitimacy.

The visits by the Governors of Ekiti, Ondo, and Lagos States, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, Mr. Olurotimi Akeredolu, and Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, to their Rivers State counterpart, Mr. Nyesom Wike, to persuade him to abandon his party, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), in favor of the All Progressives Congress (APC), fit this description.

Although the governors did not speak to the media, it is clear that the ruling APC is now desperate, and the governors’ mission was to bring Wike into their fold or strike a deal with him through one of their newest converts.

But what is the point of their move? Have you ever witnessed a crowned prince vie for a chieftaincy title?

What has the APC done in the last seven years to merit having a performing governor of national acclaim like Nyesom Wike in its ranks? Nigeria’s economy, which had the potential to be Africa’s most viable, is now one of the continent’s most disastrous. But not so for the personal fortunes of those in positions of power.

It is widely known that APC members who were living hand to mouth before the party came to power in 2015 are now among the world’s wealthiest men. Ordinary Nigerians, on the other hand, are now resigned to what appears to be a hopeless fate, sleeping with only one eye closed due to unprecedented levels of insecurity in this country.

The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) estimates that the nation’s inflation rate will be 17.71 percent year on year in May 2022, but the average Nigerian who can barely afford to eat and is plagued by malnutrition and disease knows that official economic figures do not accurately reflect the reality of his daily existence.

President Muhammadu Buhari has further impoverished the country’s marginalized majority, courtesy of the IMF, whose mandatory prescriptions the country has had to follow since he took office in 2015. Since 2015, the Naira has been devalued by more than 300 percent; a dollar that sold for about N230 on the parallel market in December 2015 now sells for nearly N600.

That is the APC’s report card – of blood, tears, and sweat – on which I can bet my last penny the Nyesom Wike I know will not want to be associated.

There are numerous reasons why the APC’s move to remove Governor Wike is not looking good. So, if they entice Wike to join the APC now, will they make him Rotimi Amaechi’s leader because he is a sitting governor? Where is their true loyalty? Have they given this much thought before venturing? What influenced this poor decision? Perhaps it was not thoroughly thought out.

Or what happens to Siminialayi Fubara, the PDP’s gubernatorial candidate, and the other candidates chosen to represent the party in the state’s general elections in 2023? The truth is that the mood of the people of Rivers State, and indeed the people of the South South, indicates that they support the PDP. The APC does not appear to have a strong presence there.

Some may argue that strange bedfellows can coexist in the same political party if the conditions are right, but Wike defecting to the APC is highly unlikely. Former Senate President Bukola Saraki summed up the situation succinctly when he called the APC governors’ visit to Nyesom Wike a blunder.

Saraki told reporters during an Eid celebration in Ilorin, Kwara State’s capital, that Wike is important to the PDP and that the party will not let him go.

“Wike is an important member of our party, and I am confident that we will sit down and address all of the issues in the near future.” There is no doubt that he has reason to feel this way, but there are better ways to resolve issues like this,” Saraki said.

Saraki stated that the party’s leaders are talking to each other and that the PDP will reunite and fight to win the next elections. He assured that the PDP will resolve its current family crisis.

“The fact that some APC governors went to see their colleague in an attempt to capitalize on what they believe is an issue is a colossal mistake.” At the end of the day, their visit will be in vain. The APC governors understand that they must latch onto this type of crack. Fortunately, we will not give him to them because the upcoming election is far too important. The fates of millions of Nigerians are far too important to be left to any party or individual. “I appreciate it, all of our stakeholders appreciate it, and Governor Wike appreciates it,” Saraki exclaimed.

Saraki suggested that the APC government lock itself in a room and refuse to speak out about its governance failures.

Saraki’s intervention highlights two critical points. First and foremost, Governor Wike has every reason to be angry, but all issues will be addressed, as in the case of who gets what as the party coasts to victory in 2023. Second, the nation is in dire straits, and the fates of millions of Nigerians are far too important to be left in the hands of APC members who are currently in charge of the country’s affairs.

All PDP stakeholders, including Governor Wike, recognize the importance of doing everything humanly possible to unseat the ruling APC next year.

As a corollary, President Buhari and his cohorts must be told that strong arm tactics, such as those used to rig the 2019 presidential election, will not work in next year’s elections. The inchoate nature of opposition parties in small African countries has been a significant factor that has worked for pocket-sized despots.

Nigeria is a different kettle of fish, with the PDP determined to wrestle and defeat the ineffective APC government.

If we are to get out of our desperate state, the electorate must continue and intensify their struggle to put an end to the APC’s satanic rule. In the end, our future is entirely in our own hands. This is why Wike’s last bus stop is PDP!

Shaibu is a publicist and Special Assistant, Public Communication to PDP Presidential Candidate Atiku Abubakar.

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