Former Rivers State governor and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, paid a visit to Abubakar Saraki, the former President of the Senate, at his residence in Abuja on Tuesday. This visit is generating quite a buzz as it’s believed to be linked to the search for the next National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
It’s reported that Atiku Abubakar, the PDP’s presidential candidate in the 2023 election, and a few party leaders have chosen Saraki to succeed Umar Damagum, the acting national chairman.
According to an anonymous source, “Atiku and some party leaders are in discussions about who should succeed Damagum. Recently, they have settled on Saraki, believing he has the charisma and political acumen to revitalize the party. These talks are ongoing among party stakeholders.”
When asked about the timing for announcing the next PDP National Chairman, the source explained, “The delay is due to the Atiku and PDP’s case before the Supreme Court. Once the Supreme Court rules on the presidential election matter, expected by November, party leaders will make their decision public, and things will move forward.”
Saraki’s media aide, Yusuph Olaniyonu, described the visit as a “friendly visit.”
It’s worth noting that both Saraki and Wike ran in the PDP presidential primary but lost to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar. Saraki joined Atiku’s campaign team and worked for the party in the presidential election, despite the competition.
On the other hand, Wike, who called for the removal of the suspended national chairman, Iyorchia Ayu, and his G5 faction, worked against Atiku and the party’s interests in the 2023 presidential election while supporting President Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress. Wike was subsequently appointed as the Minister of the FCT.