Despite the open show of force by stakeholders involved in the internal crisis rocking the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), it’s presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar have assured that the in-fighting will soon be over.
WHAT WE KNOW
Atiku Abubakar, the flagbearer of the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP), has assured the people of Akwa Ibom State, South-South Nigeria that the party’s internal crisis will soon be over.
The former Vice President and presidential candidate spoke on Friday, as he addressed the people of Akwa Ibom State at the 35th anniversary celebration of the state held at Godswill Akpabio International Stadium Uyo.
The PDP flagbearer represented by Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal, appealed for support for the party in it’s quest to return to power at the centre and retain same in the state.
The former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who was the special guest of honour at the anniversary celebration, congratulated the people and governor of Akwa Ibom State for achievements recorded.
Present at the event, was former Senate President and former Governor of Kwara state Dr. Bukola Saraki who described Governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom State as a pacesetter with performance that leaves no one in doubt of his passion to develop the state.
The Akwa Ibom State Governor who was the chief host praised past government and governors of the state for their role in developing the state. Governor Udom Emmanuel also assured the people that Akwa Ibom State would always be better with a PDP Governor and PDP at the centre. He therefore urged the people to vote for the PDP in next year’s election.
NOTABLE QUOTES
In his statement at Atiku Abubakar said: “I urge Akwa Ibom people to continue their support for the governor to finish strong. I believe also that with your support Pastor Umo Eno will emerge your next governor. We believe that there should be continuity of PDP in Akwa Ibom while our party will return to power in 2023.
” Yes, we must acknowledge that we are having internal family issues, but be rest assured that we are not involved or engaged in the war of attrition.
“It is a political disagreement and very soon, all of that will be resolved and the PDP will remain stronger, untill we win the election, by the grace of God, come February 2023.
“we are seeing progress, we are seeing development in virtually all the spheres in life under your leadership in Akwa Ibom State.
“The expectations from Akwa Ibom people therefore is continuous support for Governor Emmanuel and the PDP, and prayers for the governor to end well, finish strong and be succeeded by a man that will sustain the pace of development in the state.”
Governor Udom Emmanuel while speaking at the event said, “Akwa Ibom this time around shall not be forgotten, Akwa Ibom shall not be left behind, Akwa Ibom will be in the forefront of everything in Nigeria. We shall be in the forefront of development.
“As we are contributing immensely to the resources of Nigeria, Akwa Ibom will also be at the forefront”
BACKGROUND
Akwa Ibom State was created in 1987 by the Gen. Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida military junta.
The PDP crisis which was spoken about at the anniversary celebration started after the party’s primary election last May.
The primary saw the emergency of Atiku Abubakar as the party’s flagbearer, which gave rise to the concentration of all the major positions in the party in the north, leaving the south out of the power structure.
However, since then the party have remained divided over the call for the resignation of the party’s Chairman Sen. Iyorchia Ayu to allow proper representation of the southern flank of the PDP.
COMMENTARY
The PDP crisis cannot be wished away. Perhaps the flagbearer is just been over optimistic or simply knowingly playing down the crisis. However, the foundation of such optimism, one can’t tell for sure.
It does not seem realistic and may be injurious to the party for the PDP crisis to be wished away or simply referred to as a “family” matter and taken lightly.
It must be noted that it is stance like this that deprive the party the necessary action to resolve the rift that is gradually jeopardizing the PDP the chance to victory in the presidential election in particular.
A family crisis threatening the very foundation of the party and it’s chances at the polls is something to be taken seriously and acted upon with the decisiveness it requires.
The continued grandstanding we see amongst some of the leaders of the party is a risky attitude and very nonchalant, which at best will further delay the possible resolution of the crisis.
Putting it correctly, what has been in display in the recent time is poor crisis management and conflict resolution by the PDP leadership.
