Ibekimi Oriamaja Reports
Some Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Board of Trustees (BoT) members have expressed their displeasure with Governor Nyesom Wike’s declaration of support for the incumbent Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo- Olu’s, second-term gubernatorial ambition.
Track News recalls Wike saying last week while endorsing Sanwo-Olu, “Any party contesting against APC in Lagos is wasting time.” Sanwo-Olu is an exemplary governor. I wouldn’t come if Sanwo-Olu was in my party (PDP) and not doing well.”
In response to Wike’s declaration, Ibrahim Tsauri, a BoT member and former National Secretary of the party, told Punch that sanctioning Wike and his allies would be detrimental to the party.
He explained that the BoT’s job is to reconcile disgruntled members, not to sanction them, and that Wike and his supporters are important members of the PDP, and punishing them would be counterproductive.
“The BoT is an advisory body tasked with the responsibility of amicable reconciliation of aggrieved members,” he explained. It has no authority to punish members of the party. Governor Wike and his colleagues are critical party members. Anything resembling punishment at this critical juncture will undoubtedly be detrimental to the party.
“No serious political party, especially in an election year, would consider sacrificing five sitting governors.” We are still in the process of reconciliation and are hopeful of success.”
PDP BoT Member: Wike Cannot Be Bigger Than The Party
Another BoT member, who spoke to the newspaper on the condition of anonymity, said it was past time for the party to consider other options for instilling order and discipline in Wike, as appeasing him had failed.
He insisted that no one person could be greater than a political party.
“No one has said he (Wike) doesn’t have a point in the argument he’s been making,” he said. What we mean is that we have a big task ahead of us as a party. If he continues to insist on doing things his way, there will be a problem.
“I’m not sure if it’s time for sanctions; again, we need to consider timing.” Can we afford to be discussing sanctioning stakeholders and serving governors who are expected to play a role in ensuring our party’s victory? That is the crucial question!
“When the BoT suggested that the chairman make a promise to leave after the elections, we thought it would get us somewhere.” Remember that we are only an advisory body in all of this. We can’t impose our viewpoint on the party. If the five governors maintain their stance (that they will not be part of the Presidential Campaign Council unless the chairman resigns), they will have wasted our time and effort.”
