Senior members of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, have given approval for the constitution of the presidential campaign council.
VANGUARD gathered in Abuja on Wednesday, that the party’s presidential candidate and other organs of the party including the National Working Committee, the Caucus and the Board of Trustees, have agreed to go ahead with the constitution of the party’s presidential campaign council.
A top ranking member of the party who is familiar with the issue but elected to speak in confidence, said, “We held a major consultative meeting yesterday and I can assure you that the membership of the council will be announced within the next two weeks.
“Campaigns starts next month we want to be up and running before this happens. We have been reaching out to our members nationwide including our respected leaders in Rivers State.
“Finer details of our next steps are being worked out. You know the PDP being a very large family has a lot of tendencies and individuals and groups have egos that require massaging, we are doing that.
“There are those pushing for us to wield the big stick but the majority are more favourably disposed to ongoing consolatory efforts because we are in opposition, we need everyone more than the ruling party.
Another party leader who was contacted said, “The PDP has dealt with bigger challenges, this one too has come and it will go. Governor Wike whose name is being mentioned anytime our current challenges are cited is a party man, he has said it himself.
“He has other party leaders who respect him and look up to him to protect their political interests whatsoever those interests may be he feels an obligation to protect those who stuck out their necks for him during his bid for the ticket.
“It is the pursuit of this that has delayed us till now but we must make progress, we have an election to win and there will be positions of responsibilities to be given out. It is the patience component that is the issue at the moment.
When contacted, Mazi Paul Ibe, the Media Adviser to the PDP Presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar said, “Substantial progress is being made with regards to resolving outstanding issues. My principal has assured the party and all members that everyone will be carried along. That commitment has not changed.”