ABUJA, Nigeria – The political climate in Nigeria experienced another surge in temperatures as Pedro Obaseki, a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and former Director of Planning and Strategy for the PDP 2023 Presidential Campaign Council, launched a scathing attack on the Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike.
Obaseki accused Wike of devising strategies to undermine the PDP’s structures to smooth his path for a presidential bid in 2027.
The accusations were made during an intimate press session in Abuja on Monday, September 11, 2023, following Wike’s call to suspend Atiku Abubakar, the party’s presidential candidate, from the PDP.
Obaseki expressed his displeasure, stating, “Wike is fighting to decimate the PDP, attempting also to do the same to the All Progressives Congress to create a vehicle for himself to run in 2027. But we aren’t stupid.”
Drawing references from Chinua Achebe’s “Things Fall Apart,” Obaseki reminded Wike of the virtues of humility, further asserting that Wike owed his political ascent to the PDP’s structure and the goodwill of party chieftains.
Wike’s clash with Prince Uche Secondus, the former PDP chairman, was also highlighted by Obaseki.
He noted that Wike’s maneuvers were self-serving, aiming to remove any obstacles to his presidential aspiration in 2023.
Furthermore, Obaseki highlighted that Wike’s actions had driven several key PDP leaders to defect to other parties, including Bello Matawalle, David Umahi, and Prof. Ben Ayade.
All of whom cited Wike as a primary reason for their defection.
In a concluding remark, Obaseki hinted that Wike should face suspension from the PDP, given his alleged role in anti-party activities.
The tension between party members underscores the shifting dynamics and internal rifts within Nigeria’s primary opposition party.
As the political landscape continues to shift, analysts and observers keenly watch for responses and further developments that could influence the direction of Nigerian politics ahead of the 2027 general elections.
