Details Emerge as to Why FCT Minister Wike Visited Former Senate President Saraki
Former Rivers State governor and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, on Tuesday visited former President of the Senate, Abubakar Saraki, at his residence in Abuja.
All Facts Newspaper reports that the visit is believed to be connected to the search for the next National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Reports have it that Atiku Abubakar, the PDP’s presidential candidate in the 2023 election, and a few party leaders have settled for Saraki to succeed Umar Damagum, the acting national chairman.
A high-ranking member of the PDP National Working Committee, who spoke on condition of anonymity, made the disclosure, the Punch Newspaper said.
The source said, “We are aware that the party’s presidential candidate, Atiku, and a few party leaders are discussing the person that will succeed the Damagum. In recent times, I am aware that Atiku and some of these leaders have settled for Saraki.
“They settled for Saraki because they believed he had the charisma and the political will to reposition the party. So, discussion is ongoing within party stakeholders.”
When asked when the next PDP National Chairman would be unveiled, he said, “What is delaying the process is the Atiku and PDP’s case before the Supreme Court.
“Once the Supreme Court rules on the presidential election matter between now and November, the leaders will come out open and things will pick up.”
However, Saraki’s media aide, Yusuph Olaniyonu, described the visit as a “friendly visit”.
Recall that both Saraki and Wike contested the PDP presidential primary but lost to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.
Wike has been a vocal critic of Atiku Abubakar since the PDP presidential primary.
Saraki was appointed into the PDP/Atiku’s campaign team and, with the support of others, worked for the party in the presidential election.
Wike, who called for the removal of the suspended national chairman, Iyorchia Ayu, alongside his G5 faction, worked against the interest of Atiku and the party in the 2023 presidential election.
The former Rivers State governor, who worked for President Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress, was appointed minister of FCT.