POLITICAL NOTES:
Two factions of PDP Nyesom Wike and Taminu Turaki, who wins finally? The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) crisis lingers. The question is not about who wins, but who loses. The
Two factions of PDP
Nyesom Wike and Taminu Turaki, who wins finally? The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) crisis lingers. The question is not about who wins, but who loses. The losers are grassroots party members who do not know which faction to belong.
The concern of the masses of party members who have maintained fidelity to the platform across the 776 local governments may not 0 be the presidential poll.
They need the platform to be councillors, supervisory councillors, aides, state and federal lawmskers, governors, commissioners, advisers, and heads of boards.
Wike has a concern. He is focused on Asiwaju, as far as 2027 presidential election is concerned. Turaki is not comfortable with that.
What is the middle line, middle point or area of compromise?
His own group has received Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) recognition. Abdulrahman Mohammed, the chairman, will now face Turaki at the Supreme Court. Can Turaki displace him?
Party elders, including Alhaji Ahmed Makarfi, Sule Lamido and even Bukola Saraki of Kwara are exercising wisdom.
Wike has been threading the path of law. His position seems logical. He has not lost at the temple of justice. The only problem is presidential poll. If that is forfeited, what about other layers of election.
The followers of these elders want to contest in those lower layers as lawmakers and governors. Therefore, they are playing along with Wike, not out of love and respect for his style, but to safeguard the opportunities for contest for their followers. Some of them may win where the party is strong at the grassroots.
If the Supreme Court decision goes the way of Wike/Anyanwu group, then, more problems loom for Turaki camp.
Even, if the camp moves to African Democratic Congress (ADC) today, it would be perceived as an afterthought.
This is where the advice of Saraki and Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim is relevant. Reconciliation should be the watchwork. Let the gladiators return to the table of brotherhood.
That Reconciliation may be difficult after the Supreme Court judgment.
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Transcience of power
Four years ago, they dominated the VIP pavillion at Eagle Square, Abuja, sharing the space with the tall and dignified leader, former President Muhammadu Buhari, now of blessed memory.
But during the weekend national convention, they had moved to the Pavillion of Ex-Governors, Ex-Ministers, Ex-SGF, Ex-this, Ex-That.
Only President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and only those who dominate the corridor of power were at the Middle Pavillion, radiating the auras of legitimate authority.
Cameras never focussed on on the former men of power. Reporters who swarmed on them like bees with their cameras and recording tapes four years ago only related with them as men of yesteryears.
The former men of power, it appeared, were full of nostslgia. But that explains that power is transcient and no condition is permanent.
Those in power today will definitely be like them in few years to come.
What matters is the legacy to be left behind.
Cardinal’s birthday
He is a man of God with a difference; a cardinal with four wives and a party chieftains who once kept a long convoy that even the governor of Lagos envied.
Baba Eto is 80, hale and hearty. He has come a long way, earning that title of ‘Eto Babas’ from the late Chief Moshood Abiola, who acknowledged his capacity for mobilisation, organisation and political management.
The history of progressive politics in Lagos is incomplete without a mention of his name. He is a power broker in Ojodu/Ikeja politics, and a great associate of the president.
Happy birthday to Pa James, an effective campaigner and canvasser for votes and a venerable member of the apex elders’ forum.
Leaving certainty for uncertainty
A lawyer was once asked by a sage to leave the governorship ticket for a priest. The sage, a presidential candidate, promised to compensate the lawyer with ministerial appointment. The clever lawyer retorted: ‘I can’t leave certainty for uncertainty.’
Some things are certain in politics, despite the slippery behaviours of political animals. However, other things are not certain.
Is Peter Obi listening? Datti Baba-Ahmed has been given a technical knock-out by zoning by the crisis-riddenLabourParty(LP).
But the person who should be the beneficiary is in ADC busy chasing shadows.
It would be the number 10 wonder of the world if Alhaji Atiku Abubakar steps down for the former Anambra State governor.
It means that he has lost faith in the prediction of marabouts that he will one day rule the country. Other will think it is due to political fatigue. The sacrifice will enter the local Guiness Book of Records.
Is the permutation about Kwakwanso/Obi ticket or Obi/Kwakwanso ticket?
If Obi fails to get the ADC ticket, what next?
