2019: Atiku’s Presidential Ambition Behind PDP’s Crisis-Adewale

Segun Adewale, factional chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Lagos State chapter, has said alleged presidential ambition of Atiku Abubakar, former vice president, is responsible for the factionalisation of the opposition party.

Adewale, also called ‘Areoland,’ in a statement, advised Atiku to “publicly declare for the PDP and join hands with other leaders in rebuilding the party, rather than seeking nomination from the outside”.

He also dismissed the claims by the Senator Ahmed Makarfi-led PDP faction that the rival PDP national chairman, Senator Ali Modu-Sheriff, is an agent of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

“Those peddling the claims are the ones working for Alhaji Atiku Abubakar’s 2019 presidential ambition. It is a cheap blackmail aimed at frustrating Sheriff’s efforts at rebuilding the party. It’s their smokescreen to divert attention while covertly negotiating an alternative platform if their plan fails, which certainly will”, said Adewale.

Furthermore, Adewale alleged: “the selection by the Makarfi group of Pastor Eze Iyamu and Eyitayo Jegede, Edo and Ondo governorship candidates have betrayed their covert motives because these are known allies of Atiku and the reason for the emergence is well-known.

“That is their plan and that’s why they are obstinately resistant to Sheriff’s effort to return the party to the people. Sheriff’s efforts at building a virile opposition party, with workable alternative economic and social policies for public good is exigent given the gloom cast on the nation by the inept ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) government”, said Adewale