Fresh revelations have recently surfaced, shedding light on
the political landscape within the Peoples
Democratic Party (PDP). The party’s
governors and National Assembly members, who were elected under the PDP banner,
are reportedly exerting pressure on the former Senate President, Dr. Abubakar
Bukola Saraki, urging him to assume the role of national chairman.
This development comes after a Benue High Court ousted Dr.
Iyorchia Ayu from the position of national chairman, leading to Ambassador
Illya Umar Damagun’s temporary appointment as acting chairman. With the
leadership of the main opposition party now in the hands of an acting chairman,
the PDP appears to be contemplating a complete overhaul if the presidential
election tribunal doesn’t rule in favor of their candidate, Atiku Abubakar.
According to insiders from the PDP’s National Working
Committee (NWC), individuals have been visiting Dr. Saraki’s residences in
Maitama, Abuja, and Ikoyi, Lagos, to discuss the party’s future. Some approach
him individually, while others come in small groups. They express concerns that
under a potential Tinubu presidency, the opposition party might struggle, and
they believe that only a leader like Saraki can rally all members and factions
to rebuild a strong and unified party.
Dr. Saraki is highly regarded as a natural unifier within the
party, enjoying broad acceptance and goodwill from various groups, including
the G-5 Group, Atiku’s supporters, non-aligned members, and the NWC. His
previous success in handling reconciliation tasks for the party, particularly
after the 2019 presidential election loss, has earned him credibility and
support from elder statesmen like Generals Ibrahim Babangida and Aliyu Gusau,
as well as the younger generation.
Despite the persistent efforts from his close allies within
the party, Dr. Saraki remains hesitant to accept their overtures. He insists
that discussions about the next executive should be postponed until the
litigation over the presidential election results concludes. Furthermore, he
cautions against initiating a fresh crisis by attempting to terminate the
current NWC members’ tenure prematurely.
Saraki, instead, expresses a willingness to contribute to the
party from behind the scenes, rather than taking on a formal party position.
However, those close to him are unwavering in their pursuit to have him lead
the PDP. They even plan to involve his associates from the business world to support
their cause and help rebuild the party.
When contacted, some PDP chieftains prefer not to engage in
the discussion at this moment, citing the ongoing tribunal proceedings as their
reason for avoiding any involvement. The party remains in a state of anticipation
until the legal matters surrounding the presidential election are resolved, and
a clearer path forward for the PDP is established.
