The G5 Governors’ Impact on Nigeria’s Stability and the PDP’s Future
Former Rivers State Governor and current FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, has asserted the pivotal role of the G5 governors in maintaining Nigeria’s stability during the tumultuous 2023 elections. Wike, a prominent figure within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), convened a meeting with concerned stakeholders in Abuja, emphasizing the G5’s unwavering stance against their party’s presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar. This defiance, rooted in the party’s zoning principle, aimed to shift the presidency to the South after eight years of northern leadership under Muhammadu Buhari. Wike argued that the G5’s actions, while potentially unpopular within certain factions of the PDP, ultimately prevented a national crisis.
The G5 governors, comprising Wike, Samuel Ortom (Benue), Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia), Seyi Makinde (Oyo), and Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu), became a potent force within the PDP, challenging the party’s direction and advocating for internal reforms. Their primary objection to Atiku’s candidacy stemmed from the party’s constitutional provision for rotating the presidency between the North and South. With Buhari, a northerner, completing his second term, the G5 believed it was the South’s turn to produce the next president. Their insistence on adherence to this zoning principle set them on a collision course with the party’s leadership and ultimately led to their refusal to endorse Atiku.
Wike underscored that the G5’s actions were not driven by personal gain but rather a commitment to upholding the principles of fairness, equity, and constitutionalism. He argued that had the PDP heeded their concerns, the party would be in a stronger position today. He further criticized the party’s tendency towards impunity, particularly concerning its disregard for internal rules and the constitution. Wike cautioned that such behavior, especially for an opposition party, could lead to its downfall. He implored the stakeholders to prioritize unity and adherence to the party’s constitution, echoing the vision of the founding fathers.
The meeting, attended by key figures including Samuel Ortom and the PDP National Secretary, Sam Anyanwu, provided a platform for airing grievances and charting a path forward for the embattled party. Wike’s address served as a call to action, urging stakeholders to put aside selfish interests and prioritize the party’s long-term survival. He used the example of Taraba State Governor, Agbu Kefas, who contested and won the governorship while still holding the position of state party chairman, to highlight what he considered inconsistencies in the party’s application of rules. He emphasized that while politicians often capitalize on opportunities, the party should maintain consistent principles.
Samuel Ortom, in his remarks, echoed Wike’s sentiments, lamenting the PDP’s missteps and emphasizing Wike’s significant contributions to the party. He attributed the PDP’s current predicament to its internal errors and called for introspection and a return to the party’s founding principles. Ortom stressed the importance of respecting the rule of law, adhering to due process, and upholding both the Nigerian Constitution and the PDP’s own constitution. He believed that these principles are crucial for the party’s resurgence and its ability to regain national prominence.
The meeting highlighted the deep divisions within the PDP and the urgent need for reconciliation and reform. Wike’s assertions about the G5’s stabilizing influence, coupled with Ortom’s criticisms of the party’s mistakes, underscore the challenges facing the PDP as it seeks to rebuild and position itself as a viable alternative to the ruling party. The emphasis on constitutionalism, adherence to internal rules, and the need for unity served as recurring themes, indicating the path forward for a party grappling with internal strife and seeking to regain its footing in the political landscape. The meeting served as a critical juncture for the PDP, forcing its members to confront its shortcomings and contemplate the necessary changes for a more cohesive and effective future.
