Key figures in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are reportedly shifting their support from former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde as the likely candidate for the 2027 presidential election.
This development comes on the heels of the PDP governor successfully mediating peace between warring factions within the party.
Despite recent efforts to solidify intraparty unity, sources close to the PDP National Working Committee, which is leaning towards Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike, say support for Mr Makinde’s candidacy remains low. This suggests that it is increasing.
The change appears to be a strategic move to derail Atiku’s chances of winning the nomination, who has been criticized within the party as a “serial candidate.”
Sources who spoke to Panch said some party leaders remain angry with Atiku for allegedly misdirecting the party’s campaign in the 2023 elections.
The dissatisfaction stemmed from his inability to reconcile with a group of five disgruntled governors who had demanded the resignation of then national chairman Iyorukia Ayu, leading to internal rifts during a critical election period. This was a contributing factor.
The group includes Mr. Wike, Mr. Makinde, and former governors of Benue, Enugu and Abia states respectively, Mr. Samuel Ortom, Mr. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi and Mr. Okezie Ikpeazu, among others. He was opposed to his candidacy.
One source revealed: “Each election cycle, you are given a presidential ticket. You will fail it. Look at the mess he has caused us in the 2023 election. -5) What was so difficult about kneeling before him and winning the election for us?
“Now, the person you have a problem with is one of those men you were crying about. Wait until after the election and deceive Wike like (former President Olusegun) Obasanjo did when he was in office. He could have done that. Mr. Atiku was not serious or sincere about winning the presidency.”
Several members of the NWC, who did not wish to be named, also said that Mr. Atiku has always been willing to experiment with the PDP and has shown enough zeal to win over the PDP, emulating his attitude in dealing with differences with the Wike camp. I felt like there wasn’t. Four other governors in the plot of the Ayu Must Go campaign.
They also fear that due to his age, he may not be a marketable candidate in 2027, so they will need a younger, more vibrant candidate like Makinde. Ta.
“The same (Yorukia) Ayu that he was protecting told us during the campaign that both Atiku and Tinubu were his friends. But you are there and like a green light to do political activities. I was doing it.
“Ayu cost us five governors. There was no way these five governors wouldn’t change the narrative for us. We lost just under a million votes or more in the presidential election. I lost by a difference.
“That is why we are looking for a way out. No one can experiment with PDP every four years. For now, we are supporting Seyi Makinde. Now let’s deliver to the South West. Makinde has shown ability. He is a Christian and a Southerner.
“Let’s go to the other side of the country for a change of pace. Seyi is young and energetic. He can connect with both the young and the old. What we need is a strong candidate from the north. All he has to do is get the right players and he’s ready,” the NWC member revealed.
Asked how the story moved from talk of Atiku potentially working with Peter Obi, who many thought would leave the Labor Party following the leadership crisis rocking the party. In contrast, the PDP leader said that the former LP candidate was not like that. They happily accept the bait.
he said: “According to Obi, I can say that he has not decided to come to PDP. If he decides today, the equation may change. For now, he is still with the Labor Party.”
Meanwhile, Makinde has openly declared that he is eligible to run and intends to push his agenda for the 2027 presidential election when the time is right.
Makinde told reporters on Friday during a visit to Fashola Farm in Oyo town that speculation about his political future was unnecessary and uncalled for.
“He’s at an age where he can voice his opinion on any issue without fear or intimidation,” the governor said, adding that if he has anything to say about his political future, he intends to do so publicly. he added.
The governor also warned Nigerians not to allow the country to transition into a one-party state.
In his reaction, the former Vice President’s special assistant on public communications, Mr Planke Shaibu, said he had not been under any form of pressure regarding Makinde’s selection as has been speculated.
According to him, instead of debating who should be given the presidential ticket in 2027, people should focus on how Nigerians can overcome the current challenges in the land.
he said: “Who is being threatened? Some are talking about 2027, how we will survive the economic problems facing Nigerians. Isn’t it too early? We’re concerned about people’s welfare. We don’t care about their machinations.
“Only men who have no concern for Nigerians at heart talk about 2027, especially at a time when people are dying every day. We are not ready for that drama.”