According to reports, the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has intensified behind-the-scenes moves to replace the National Chairman, Dr Iyorchia Ayu, with former Senate President, Bukola Saraki.
Out of the three names the PDP leaders proposed, Saraki has gotten more support and backing from party leaders because of his described capacity to mend fences within the party.
It was learned that the three candidates included Jerry Gana from the camp of former Rivers State governor Nyesom Wike and Babangida Aliyu. from the group of the party’s flag bearer, Atiku Abubakar.
Party sources disclosed that Saraki was, however, the middle-of-the-road candidate for the two groups.
According to Daily Trust, many of the party’s stakeholders, including former G-5 leader Wike, have agreed to back Saraki to replace Ayu.
A source close to Wike revealed to the platform that Wike and his G5 colleagues have not decided not to leave the party, so if they must stay relevant in power, they have to support the team in power of the PDP leadership.
The source, who pleaded anonymity, said, “One of the ways to do so is to be part of the power groups that will determine the future of the party by influencing who leads the party from next year.
“Since the train, which is working to elect, Saraki is moving fast and getting more passengers, they need to quickly jump on it and be part of the forces that will propel the train to a thriving destination.
“They know Saraki as a reconciliation, a bridge builder, and somebody they can trust to be neutral and have the capacity and resources to rebuild the party. The exchange of visits between Wike and Saraki last week is the first step the Wike group is making.”
Also commenting on the issue, a top chieftain of the party noted that party leaders were looking for a strong character to rally party members together after the Supreme Court judgement, depending on how it goes.
He said, “The Atiku group is comfortable with Saraki because they know it will be difficult to put their own person as chairman now because of the Wike influence. The visit is all about Saraki now trying to get a foothold across the party before the real hostilities start. You cannot say Saraki is an Atiku man or a Wike man, so both sides of the divide seem to be comfortable with his personality.
“Even though Ayu is in court, I believe when the time comes, he will be told to withdraw the case so that the party can move forward.
“From what we are hearing, Saraki is going around the party stakeholders to intimate them on his plans and the need for all to work together for the peace and unity of the party.”
