2023 :PDP South-West Suffers Implosion As Tinubu Breaks New Frontiers
By Osigwe Omo-Ikirodah
The signs are increasing. Is the long predicted PDP crack-up finally here ?
In the last few weeks, more and more PDP strong Men have been running for the Exits.
With the exception of a handful of die hard “PDPIST”, most PDP Governors have distanced themselves from the running of the affairs of the Party and the overbearing influence of Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike.
Nyesom Wike in turn, is pointing accusing fingers at the Leadership of the Party as led by Uche Secondus berating them for operating an infertile Executive unable to give the ruling APC a run for their popularity.
While the crisis at the National Level in PDP seems to be gathering momentum with an imminent showdown inevitable, the problem in the South West PDP seems irredeemable as the battle for the control of the Structure of the Party in the South West is threatening the existence of the Party.
Two central figures involved in the mix up are former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose and Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde.
Their battle can be akin to the legendary tales of Tom and Jerry, tho, for now, we can’t categorically tell you the Character playing Tom or Jerry but take it to the Bank that sooner or later one of the two Gladiators may get sidelined by the other.
Like the legendary Tom and Jerry’s running warfare that keeps lingering on the bitter feud between Seyi Makinde and Ayo Fayose dates back to when Seyi Makinde was elected the Oyo State Governor.
Fayose, prior to Seyi’s emergence was looked upon as the voice and Leader of the South West PDP, but the emergence of Seyi Makinde as Oyo State Governor marked the beginning of a bitter power tussle which many interpret as a battle for Ego and control of Leadership Structures.
Makinde was accused of embarrassing Fayose in Akure during the grand finale of the Peoples Democratic Party Governorship campaign in October. Peter the Rock had his Cap removed by some Miscreants at the rally.
Since then it has been one drama to another from the two leading lights in the South West PDP.
Makinde has always expressed his indifference towards power shift to the South West insisting that the Presidency should be thrown open to every Nigeria that is qualified in irrespective of the Region the Person hails from.
Makinde’s ally, Dare Adeleke, has accused the former Governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose of working for the National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu to weaken the PDP in the South West.
The crisis between the duo is likely to sink the PDP in the South West if not properly handled. It is like a Pendulum, it is swinging and swinging and yet no one knows the direction the saga would lead to.
Meanwhile, the Presidential ambition of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu has continued to receive wide acceptance in the South West as major Political Actors have started organizing mass rallies in support of the Jagaban.
Tinubu’s soaring popularity can not be divorced from the rising call for restructuring which many believe the Jagaban is in the right position to effect the crucial changes to create the expected lease of life.
Many Groups in the South West say they see no reason why Tinubu should not be supported by the Yorubas.
They claim Tinubu is trying his best and looking at his methods and style of Administration then it is obvious that Tinubu is the best Representative the South West can offer.
From all indications, Asiwaju Tinubu seems to be doing very well making inroads in the South West ahead of the 2023 Presidential elections.
How all these plays out is yet to be seen but one thing for sure is that the PDP needs to get its conducts together as soon as possible or lose going into extinction in the South West.
Omo-Ikirodah writes in from Abuja.
