Dele Momodu suggests Atiku, Wike sign an agreement to resolve PDP crisis

A member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dele Momodu, on Monday suggested closed-door dialogue between the PDP presidential candidate for the 2023 general elections, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, and Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State so as to resolve the lingering post-presidential primary crisis in the party.  He listed three probable griefs of Governor Wike. According to Dele Momodu, the Rivers governor ‘believes the PDP should have respected the zoning principle; the zoning would have favoured a southern candidate, and that of all the southern presidential aspirants, he is the one that has the capacity to deliver victory to the PDP.’

Momodu, therefore, suggested that Atiku should sit down one-on-one without no other person present, discuss with Governor Wike and agree on deliverables, if possible, sign an agreement. He asserted that the post-national convention crisis in the PDP has shown that Wike is a force to reckon with in the party in the preparations for the 2023 general elections.

Momodu was optimistic Governor Wike will not leave the PDP.

Dele Momodu had stated: “He is playing a mind game and he’s good at it. What shall it profit him if he joins APC?

“What I would advise Atiku Abubakar to do today is to sit down one-on-one without no other person present with Governor Wike and agree on deliverables, If possible, sign an agreement.

“Governor Wike believes that the party should have respected the zoning principle, number two, he believes that zoning would have favoured a southern candidate. Three, he believed that of all the southern aspirants, he is the one that has the capacity to deliver victory to the party.

“The situation in PDP shows what Wike is in the equation of things in Nigeria. If you have a man who is your best governor across the board, across party lines, Wike stands out as a fantastic performer.

“Today, the fear of Wike is the beginning of wisdom in PDP, there is no question about that. Wike is smart, he knows the game he’s playing, and what he wants to do is to force a deal with the party. That’s my own reading of the situation.”

He added: “… Governor Wike is a very principled man; if there’s one thing he has been consistent about, it is his love for PDP; I believe he will not leave PDP.”