A senior official of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has drawn a striking comparison between internal party conflicts in Nigeria and the United States. According to a report from The Sun, Hon. Rahman Owokoniran, the PDP South-West zonal secretary, likened Governor Nyesom Wike’s controversial position within the PDP to the divisions caused by former President Donald Trump within the Republican Party.
Owokoniran highlighted the similarities in party discord, stating, “You can see Trump. So many Republicans say, this is not our candidate. It is the same thing.” This comparison underscores the challenges political parties face when dealing with influential but divisive figures.
The PDP official questioned Wike’s current influence in Rivers State, a key area of his political power base. “Wike has been bragging about Rivers, does he still have Rivers in his hands? Does he want to go through the back door to pocket Rivers?” Owokoniran asked, suggesting that Wike’s grip on the state might be weakening.
Emphasizing the need for resolution, Owokoniran called for decisive action from the party’s leadership. “What are we doing about Wike? I agree, we have to do something about it and enough of the dragging of feet by the NWC,” he stated, criticizing what he perceived as hesitation from the PDP’s National Working Committee.
The official advocated for a clear path forward, even if it requires extraordinary measures. “If we must go to Congress to resolve this matter, let’s go to Congress. But there must be a resolution,” Owokoniran asserted, stressing the urgency of addressing the internal conflicts.
As the PDP grapples with these internal challenges, Owokoniran’s comments highlight the complex dynamics at play within the party. The comparison to international political conflicts underscores the universal nature of such party divisions and the need for effective strategies to maintain unity and direction in the face of internal discord.