Ismail Abdulazeez Mantu Reporting
Abuja, Nigeria
As the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) looms closer, fissures within the camp led by Nyesom Wike, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, are becoming glaringly evident.
Reports from reliable sources indicate that Engr. Seyi Makinde, the serving governor of Oyo state and a prominent figure within the G-5 faction, has opted to distance himself from the group. This move comes amidst growing tensions and strained relations between Makinde and the faction.
Makinde’s decision to break ranks with the G-5 governors signals a shift in alliances within the party, with indications that he is aligning himself with voices advocating for a change in the PDP’s established order.
At the heart of the rift lies the contest for the position of PDP national chairman. While the Wike-led faction is steadfast in their support for Ambassador Illiya Damagum’s retention of the chairmanship, opposing voices, notably led by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, are rallying behind Senator Gabriel Suswam.
The upcoming NEC meeting, slated for this Thursday, serves as a battleground for these conflicting interests. Preceding the NEC gathering are a series of strategic meetings commencing today, including sessions of the PDP Governors’ Forum, the PDP Caucus, and the Board of Trustees (BoT).
In the race for the party chairmanship, Senator Suswam faces competition from other contenders, namely former minister Humphrey Abba from Kogi State and Dr. Emmanuel Agbo from Benue State, all hailing from the North Central region.