PDP crisis: G-5 in disarray

Makinde, Ugwuanyi to dump Wike

May lead Atiku’s campaign in Oyo, Enugu

WITH end not yet in sight in the crisis rocking People’s Democratic Party (PDP), there are indications that the highly influential power block codenamed ‘G-5 Forum’ are currently in disarray with at least two members perfecting exit strategies following recent infighting embroiling the group.

  The two members are Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo State and his Enugu State counterpart, Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi.

  A source privy to the new development said the two governors’ moves may trigger exit floodgate that may end up leaving only their leader, Gov. Nyesom Wike of Rivers State and another member in the camp.

  According to the source, the two departing governors are set to join forces with PDP presidential flagbearer, Atiku Abubakar’s campaign in their respective states.

  The source also said that along the line, Makinde is already billed to lead Atiku’s rally in Ibadan next week, adding that ex-deputy governor of Oyo State, Hazeem Gbolarumi, who is a staunch rival of the incumbent, will also be present.

  Although Special Adviser to Gov. Ugwuanyi on Media and Publicity, Uwakwe Abugu, refused to comment on the development during a telephone interview. He said: “Nigerians should watch out for masterstrokes from the various campaigns as countdown to February 25 presidential election gets dicey.”

  It will be recalled that PDP governors under the aegis G-5 Forum had made removal of Iyorcha Ayu as national chairman as precondition for return of normalcy following recent factionalisation in the party.