The Special Assistant on Public Communications to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Planke Shaibu, has expressed concern over President Bola Tinubu’s alleged involvement in the ongoing leadership crisis of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Shaibu warned that if the PDP fails to resolve the national chairmanship dispute, Nigeria could face the collapse of a one-party system dominated by Tinubu’s political clout.
Shaibu said Tinubu’s political approach, which has been said to have consolidated power within Lagos State for more than two decades, may now be aimed at weakening the opposition at the national level.
“We have known his (Mr. Tinubu) strategy since his time as governor and even after leaving power for more than 20 years, he was running one party in Lagos State.
“From local governments to state legislatures to governors. They always suppress and strengthen the opposition, and we are not surprised.
“We know the drum-bearers of war and those who are preparing for a crisis right from the 2023 election, and the media knows it too, and they never give credit for the role they are playing. I’m not hiding it.
“First they said this is the G-5, we told Nigerians this is where they should go, so today when Nigerians complain about poverty and hunger, You know when a cowboy visits a place, he leaves the place until it’s in ruins.” Nothing comes of that place.
“So that’s the agenda they want. Instead of focusing on governance, they’re getting paid, they’re getting political patronage, they’re hoarding crises because it’s a well-paying job.” Mr Scheib told DAILY POST.
In working towards solutions, Mr. Scheib emphasized the need for courageous and honest leadership within the PDP.
He maintained that party leaders must confront those who are actively destabilizing the PDP.
“It’s possible, but it takes boldness, audacity and honesty. They know the people who are in crisis, and that’s for party leaders and governors to come together.
“Some of our governors have surrendered their oaths of office and character to one man, and it is difficult for them to tell anyone the truth,” Scheib added.
He noted that unlike in the past, when governors prioritized party integrity, today’s political climate has leaders “pandering to the masses” rather than acting independently.
“In the past, governors were seen as people who could act with integrity and purpose, but what we are seeing today is a different ball game.
“We only have people who play according to the orders of the gallery and their closest friends.
“If they are serious about solving the crisis, they should call a state of emergency by telling people in crisis to leave the party.
“We knew this was going to happen because we knew their intentions and we had told them earlier that they had no shame.
“They used to go all in – they used to say, ‘I’ll never be a minister, I’ll never leave the party,’ but now they’re working against their own party. “So if you’re a governor and you’re friends with someone like that, you should do that.” To find out what kind of person you are, you need to see a witch doctor. but? ” he asked.
He criticized leaders who publicly oppose Atiku’s possible 2027 bid while supporting the current president’s continued bid, saying such actions were a display of “hypocrisy and ignorance.”
“They know what they want, so it’s up to them to solve the crisis. The other day, a character wakes up and says that Atiku will be 80 years old in 2027, so it’s up to them to solve the crisis. , said he shouldn’t be competing in the contest in 2027.
“Yet, the same people want the current president to continue in office. How old is the current president? How old will he be in 2027? Illiteracy is a misfortune and should never be considered a privilege.” he added.
Despite the turmoil, Mr Shaibu denied claims that the PDP was split and stressed Mr Atiku’s continued loyalty to the United Party.
Mr Shaibu clarified: “We have no factions in the PDP and Mr Atiku is also in the PDP and we have no factions in the party. That is why we do not want to speak out.” This man believes in the unity of Nigeria and says that charity begins at home.
“Wike says he is a member of the PDP, but he is not just working for the party. That is why I said illiteracy is a misfortune and should never be considered a privilege. ”It’s a problem when men don’t know there’s a difference between working with someone and working for them.
“Unless you are working with the APC government, working for the government means working against your own interests and those of the people you claim to represent (your party). means working.
“So there’s a difference between working for and working with. Understanding grammar makes life easier for them.
“It is true that they say that I work for the APC government but know that I am a PDP member, but the message they want to convey is that they are working together. That’s it.
“They have already exposed the hypocrisy of what they are doing, because working and collaborating are two different things.
“When I work for them, I do their dirty work and do their orders, but when I work with them, I’m my own person, I speak my mind, I believe in my principles. Please. Atiku has no faction in PDP.”
