The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP has moved to win back the heart of the Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike after closing the doors twice on him in the last two months.
The party on Thursday returned Wike to the negotiation table ostensibly to keep him in the party and possibly stop him from working against the interest of the party in 2023.
With barely seven months to the Presidential election next year, Nigeria’s main opposition party is in a desperate push to put its house in order and close ranks between its Presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar and the Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike.
Both parties continued their consultation with a meeting held behind closed doors at the Abuja residence of former Minister of Information, Professor Jerry Gana.
The reconciliatory meeting has become crucial for PDP as both men talk man-to-man and lay their cards on the table.
Wike looks aggrieved after a “disheartening” defeat to Atiku for the Presidential ticket of the party in June.
His grudges against PDP may have been heightened after Atiku overlooked him and settled for the Governor of Delta State, Ifeanyi Okowa for his choice of a running mate.
But up against a formidable opponent in APC, it is important for PDP and Atiku to win back the heart of Wike, the strong man from River’s State if they hope to pocket the millions of votes from the State that is only third to Kano and Lagos in terms of voting power.
Closing the doors on Wike for the third time could spell disaster for the PDP because waiting in the wings is the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC that seems to clearly understand Wike’s grudges with PDP and Atiku. APC knows Wike’s sphere of influence and will be willing to reap from any further disagreement between him and PDP.
However in trying to reach out to Wike, the big question is if Atiku and PDP can meet Wike’s hefty demands which although remain in the realm of speculations which includes the call for PDP National Chairman, Iyorchia Ayu to step down for someone from the South.
It’s a proposition many in the party believe is too close to the election for comfort.
The other demand we hear is for Wike to have a hand in the PDP campaign organisation. While this could be easily worked out, the condition that Atiku should serve a single term in office if he wins, might be difficult to please.
Whatever it is that’s on the table, interest groups within the party welcomed the talks between Wike and Atiku, viewing it as a good start for the opposition party in the race for Nigeria’s presidency in 2023