Top PDP Leader Reveals How To Settle Atiku And Wike

Bode George, a former National Vice Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Southwest, has shed light on a strategy to settle the discord between the party’s potential 2023 presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.

George spoke on Arise Television, revealing that there was a catalyst for the disagreement between Wike and Atiku. He affirmed that Wike remains aligned with the party’s interests and is not acting against it.

Addressing concerns about Wike’s involvement in the APC-led government, George emphasized the importance of unity post-election. “Once party A wins an election, it opens the door to say, ‘Let’s have a united group,'” he stated. He referenced historical examples, including former President Obasanjo’s inclusivity in 1999, where individuals from various political backgrounds were brought into government roles including Chief Bola Ige from Alliance for Democracy, AD, who became the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, AGF.

George defended Wike’s actions within the APC, highlighting that serving in another party’s administration doesn’t equate to defection. “According to Wike, he wrote a letter to serve in the APC government. He still plays the music. How can he work against the PDP? I don’t believe it,” George stated, while acknowledging the need to address lingering issues.

Regarding recent tensions within the party, George emphasized the importance of internal dialogue and discipline. He criticized public assertions by certain party members, advocating for a return to local engagement and unity to resolve discordant voices.

“I just came back from Ibadan where we had an elders’ meeting in respect to discordant voices that are coming out from Ondo State. People should get back to their various Local Governments and contribute their quota,” he remarked. He added, “It’s unfair for committed members of the party to make such assertions in public. Discipline is part of the management in any organisation. What Pearse said isn’t correct.”