The Peoples Democratic Party may use the hammer against some of its prominent members in the coming weeks for defying it and instead fraternising with the ruling All Progressives Congress and President Bola Tinubu.
According to reliable sources, the main opposition party was considering expelling key members of the G-5 governors elected on its platform who refused to support the PDP presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, in the February 25, 2024 presidential election.
The PDP was planning to show the exit door to the immediate governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, who was the rebel governors’ arrowhead, as well as the immediate governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom.
Apart from not supporting Atiku, the party regards Wike and Ortom’s current romance with Tinubu and the APC as serious anti-party activity that will result in expulsion.
As a result, the PDP has warned that if the former governors accept any appointment from the President or the APC, they will be expelled from the party.
It is unclear what the PDP intends to do with the other members of the G-5, as Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State is serving his second term on the party’s platform and attended the party’s recent retreat in Bauchi, while the immediate past governors of Abia and Enugu states, Okezie Ikpeazu and Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, appear to be in political limbo after losing Senate bids. Ortom’s bid to become a senator also failed.
However, the five ex-governors recently paid a visit to the President at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa in solidarity with Tinubu, despite the fact that the PDP presidential candidate, Atiku, is still fighting his victory in the Presidential Election Petition Court.
The party was seriously considering kicking out the ex-Rivers governor and other recalcitrant members, according to Sunday PUNCH, citing a May 31, 2023 judgement of an A Federal High Court that it had the right to suspend or expel Wike or any other member if the action was done in accordance with the law.
Justice James Omotosho ruled on a suit filed by Wike prior to the 2023 general elections, in which he sought an order prohibiting the PDP from taking action against him without a fair hearing.
The former governor had sued the PDP, its National Working Committee, and its National Executive Committee, as well as the National Chairman, Dr Iyorchia Ayu; National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu; and the Independent National Electoral Commission.
Justice Omotosho ruled that suspending or expelling the applicant without allowing him to defend himself would be a violation of his fundamental rights under the party’s and Nigeria’s constitutions.
He stated that while the party had the authority to suspend or expel its members, it must do so in accordance with its own laws.
Although Section 46(1) of the law gave the court jurisdiction if one’s rights were violated, the judge added that the court would not meddle in the internal affairs of any political party unless the member’s rights were violated by the party without recourse to its own laws.
Against the backdrop of a possible approach for its members to serve in the President’s government, the PDP reminded its members of the consequences that await those who serve in the new government while the party is still contesting the outcome of the 2023 presidential election.
The party insisted that neither its NWC nor any of its members had been approached by the ruling party about working together in the national interest.
During their visit to Tinubu, Makinde and Wike took turns congratulating the President on a good start, citing his announcement of the removal of petrol subsidies as a step in the right direction.
Added to this are Wike’s comments, who, along with his four colleagues, not only worked against the PDP, but has also continued to criticise the party for not having the courage to zone the 2023 presidential ticket to the South after eight years in the North.
When asked if he would serve in the APC-led government a few weeks ago, Wike responded, “Tinubu has not informed me about getting an appointment.” I am not too big to serve my country, but he has never promised me an appointment. If he approaches me, the first thing I’ll do is ask my wife and friends what they think.”
In an exclusive interview with Sunday PUNCH, Debo Ologunagba, the PDP’s National Publicity Secretary, stated, “Whether we are approached or not, the PDP is a party of process and a truly democratic party.” But, let me say this: our members are aware of the party’s beliefs.
“They are aware that we are in court, and they will be properly guided.” They understand the right thing to do and the consequences of not doing so.”
“As a party, we have not been approached to release any of our members to serve in government,” he added. There are procedures in situations like this. In any case, discussing this is premature because the election that brought this government to power is being challenged by the PDP. Election is a four-stage process that includes pre-election, election, declaration, and post-election, particularly petitions and all that.
“We are at the end of this chain, and we cannot speculate on what will or will not happen until it is completed.” The election petition tribunal is concerned with whether the process was credible and transparent. If the process is not credible, as we are attempting to demonstrate, then there cannot be a credible outcome. If there is no credible outcome, it is difficult to avoid the process, which would be contrary to established procedure and rules.”
When reminded that Wike did not mince words when asked if he would serve in the APC-led government, Ologunagba stated, “When an individual in the PDP speaks, he speaks for himself.” Anyone who expresses an interest in serving in the APC-led government speaks for himself. Yes, Wike spoke, but there is no evidence that Bola Tinubu is consulting him on who should be in his cabinet.”
“Until we are approached, the party cannot give you an official statement or reaction,” Ologunagba said of whether the party will allow its members to serve the government of the day. I speak for this party and understand what the PDP represents. Whatever I say now is irrelevant because we have not been approached and are unaware of any of our members being approached.
“You can’t make appointments across the board in the name of a national unity government.” National unity founded on deception and illegality? Nothing can be built on nothing and expect it to stand.”
The political landscape is littered with examples of politicians abandoning their parties to accept job offers from a sitting government, but for Ologunagba, there is no need to speculate on what will happen if a member of the PDP accepts a position in Tinubu’s administration.
“Let that happen first (PDP members’ acceptance to serve in the APC government), and we’ll know what to do.” We will respond appropriately if this occurs, which is a possibility, but what if it does not?
It is wrong for me to speak in front of my party about what may or may not happen?” He went on to say.
