WeeklyPolitical Notes.

No ‘Buga’ For PDP
Main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) dropped every pretension that all is not well with the party, when the Board of Trustees (BOT) stepped into a trouble-shooting mode.

Although the Senator Walid Jibrin-led PDP BOT met behind closed doors, the lyrics of Jimmy Cliff’s iconic song, “You can’t be right and get wrong, no matter how hard you may try,” tended to be wafting from the enclosed venue.  

The problem, which the BOT was determined to solve, was not limited to the fallout from the choice of its presidential running mate, Governor Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa of Delta State. The trouble preceded the party’s Special Convention and presidential primary, where the former Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, emerged as its standard bearer.

From what transpired during the secret meeting of the stakeholders, it is obvious that PDP appears to be in a cul-de-sac: Where would it begin to solve the multi-dimensional challenges? While the major troubling irritation within PDP seems to revolve around the relationship between the presidential candidate, Atiku and the Governor General of South-South, Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, the roots are deeper.

Prior to the party’s national convention, which was held in a hurry to terminate Prince Uche Secondus’s tenure, there was an understanding. The party leaders agreed that based on the consensus choice of Senator Iyorchia Ayu, the fact that the presidential ticket was to be thrown open, Ayu should commit to instant resignation in the event that the presidential nominee emerges from the north.

That understanding staved off the contentious issue of zoning the presidential slot. But, having emerged as presidential contender, Atiku started another fanciful argument that it was too early in the day to remove the national chairman until the election was won and lost.
  
While the argument over the propriety of Ayu retaining his post raged, Wazirin Adamawa authorized the setting up of a committee to help select a fitting presidential running mate to complement his ticket.
   
At the end of the day, while most party faithful expected a replay of similar scenario in 1992, when he (Atiku) contested the Social Democratic Party (SDP) presidential ticket, where one of the runners-up was chosen, Atiku went outside the box of presidential aspirants to choose Okowa. Wike, the first choice and Udom Emmanuel, the second runner-up, were sidelined. And the second palaver started. Ever since, it does not seem that PDP would Buga as the election draws close.
    
Osho Baba Returns
THE governing All Progressives Congress (APC) unveiled its presidential campaign by unveiling the chairman of Northern Governors’ Forum, Rt. Hon. Simon Bako Lalong as its Director General.
   
However, it seems the former APC national chairman, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, would support Lalong. The prospects of joining the Asiwaju Bola Tinubu presidential campaign has excited the former Edo State governor.

The spark on his face when he appeared on the Arise Television programme left many people wondering whether the inspiration and enthusiasm were coming from the promised inclusion in the campaign team or another substance.

Right from his days as Speaker of Plateau State House of Assembly, Lalong is not known to be a chatterbox or intimidating character. APC national chairman, Senator Abdullahi Adamu, told State House correspondents, when the team leaders met with President Buhari at the Presidential Villa, that the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Festus Keyamo was to serve as interim spokesman, while Mallama Hannatu Musawa is the deputy spokesperson.

According to Senator Adamu, “We are here to see Mr President to brief him and to get his approval of plans regarding our campaign outfit. And once we have his approval, we intend to make major disclosure. We’re on the same page with the presidential candidate and the individuals, who will play various roles in the campaign. The DG of the campaign is Governor Simon Lalong of Plateau State.”

From the APC national chairman’s disclosure, the party seems to be having problems with issue of balancing, particularly given that the same faith president ticket shared by Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and Senator Kashim Shettima is still roiling the governing party.

If Oshiomhole expects to be the substantive spokesman, his rehearsal on the Arise Television interview left the impression that the party would still search further to ensure that its campaign message does not contain more vitriol than persuasive delivery.