The decision of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP’s National Working Committee, NWC to fence out gubernatorial aspirants from outside Eket Senatorial Zone in the forthcoming party primaries in Akwa Ibom State has redefined the election in the state. It inevitably drew a sharp line in the battle of wits between Governor Godswill Akpabio and his many political enemies in his state who have risen up against alleged plans by the outgoing governor to foist the immediate past Secretary to the State Government, SSG, Mr. Udom Emmanuel as his successor.
The NWC’s decision follows increasing dissent by PDP stakeholders against Akpabio’s choice which crystallised in the near complete boycott by top political leaders from the state at Emmanuel’s declaration penultimate week. Though the declaration in Uyo was attended by an unprecedented crowd bussed in from the 31 local government areas, the absence of serving members of the National Assembly and many recognised political leaders was conspicuous.
The most direct threat against Akpabio’s alleged plans has been his onetime Man Friday, Obong Umana Umana, a former SSG who has become a thorn in the flesh of Akpabio. Given the fact that Umana and most of the formidable opponents to Akpabio’s plans are from Uyo, the PDP statement was seen as a direct gift to Akpabio. However, how Akpabio manages the seeming gift would truly show if it is a poisoned chalice for the party or not given the increasing vehemence of the opposition to the outgoing governor.
Tambuwal: Was it desperation or not?
The decision of the police authorities to withdraw the security details of Speaker Aminu Waziri Tambuwal last Thursday came as a shock especially given the frosty relations between the House and the administration. In moving against the speaker, it is feared that the presidency may trigger a constitutional crisis that could see loyalists of the speaker increasing the difficulties of the administration in its last year.
Tambuwal
In justifying the decision the police claimed that the action was in consonance with constitutional provisions on defections. What the police did not cite was the fact that interpretation and implementation of that constitutional provision was the exclusive preserve of the speaker.
Given President Goodluck Jonathan’s peace building efforts especially the reconciliation with the emir of Kano, Alhaji Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, the new battlefront with the House could best be described as an avoidable war.
Confusion in Anambra
Though it is one of the strongholds of the PDP, the historical division of the party in Anambra State has had the effect of dragging down the fortunes of the party in recent election cycles.
Anambra is the only state where the PDP has not been able to hold a valid congress since the turn of the century. A bold attempt by concerned party stakeholders to unify the party by throwing support behind one of the factions led by Ken Emekayi derailed just before last year’s election when local godfather, Mr. Chris Uba revived his own party structure. His effort was an inducement to other party sponsors to revive their own structures.
Now on the eve nominations for the 2015 round of elections, party members are in confusion over which of the three major factions to align with. Emekayi is aligned with the increasingly powerful national publicity secretary of the party, Chief Olisa Metuh in one faction against the two other factions controlled by Chief Arthur Eze and Chief Chris Uba.
As a result of the confusion, some party members interested in using the party platform for the 2015 election are now reconsidering their decision.
by ROTMANLUV 2023-07-08, 17:34
