Ahead of the upcoming People's Democratic Party (PDP) National Executive Committee (NEC) gathering, Chief Edwin Clark, a respected leader from the South-South region and former Federal Commissioner for Information, has called for a thorough review of the conduct exhibited by key party figures during the 2023 elections. This review aims to uncover the underlying reasons behind the party's electoral setbacks, as outlined by Vanguard.
Clark has voiced strong criticisms of Nyesom Wike, the current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Administration and former Governor of Rivers State. He sees Wike as a significant obstacle to the PDP, alleging that Wike has been actively manipulating internal party dynamics to create conflict and disrupt the party's cohesion.
Emphasizing the need to address Wike's alleged misdeeds, Clark has advocated for the establishment of a robust disciplinary panel. He suggests that this panel should consist of individuals known for their integrity and resistance to financial influences, ensuring a fair and impartial examination of the accusations against Wike.
While acknowledging that Wike may have initially had legitimate grievances regarding the PDP's presidential primary election, Clark argues that Wike's subsequent actions have crossed acceptable boundaries. He expresses concern over Wike's apparent assumption of leadership roles in both the PDP and the All Progressives Congress (APC) within Rivers State. This perceived dual leadership has led Clark to describe Wike as politically ambiguous.
Going deeper into Wike's alleged influence within the APC, Clark highlights Wike's supposed orchestration of a caretaker committee within the APC's Rivers State chapter. Led by Mr. Tony Okocha, this committee is viewed by Clark as a means through which Okocha aims to undermine, harass, and possibly embarrass Governor Siminalayi Fubara, the duly elected Governor of Rivers State.
He remarked: “The story is the same in PDP in the State; where Barr. Wike recently removed the State Chairman, and recommended him for a federal appointment. Now, with his control of PDP and APC in Rivers State, he has appointed some APC members as caretaker committee members of the party in Rivers State."