Indications have emerged that crisis is brewing in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Delta State ahead of this weekend’s convention between forces loyal to Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan and those loyal to three party bigwigs, Chief Edwin Clark, Tompolo and Senator James Manager.
According to sources, the three are plotting to undermine the authority of the state governor as the chief security officer by making the police and the other armed forces to report to them rather than the governor.
“The plan is to determine by fiat who becomes the party’s candidate,” said one of the sources the party in the state.
“The target is the governor, and they want James Manager to remain the party senatorial candidate instead of the governor.”
Another source explained that three of them are unhappy with the clout the state governor has wielded in favour of Anthony Obuh as the gubernatorial nominee.
Therefore, they are pitching their tents in favour of Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, who has shown interest in that position.
The senatorial primaries will take place on Sunday December 7 while the gubernatorial primaries will follow on Monday December 8.
Some party members were surprised by the moves by Clark because they thought that tension between him and Governor Uduaghan had normalised after years of frosty relationship.
“We thought that the elder statesman had changed and was at peace with the governor,” said another party chieftain, who pleaded anonymity.
“The reason for the showdown is that the governor, who is the leader of the PDP in the state, is believed to control the party structure, and that means he commands the delegate votes.
“That makes it almost a coronation for him to win the senatorial seat and also for his gubernatorial nominee to sweep the state’s gubernatorial slot.
“The problem is that they want James Manager not only to become the senatorial candidate but they expect that once he gets to the senate, he will become the senate leader,” said the party chieftain.
“The calculation is that the senate leader and the president of the country can work together as kinsmen.”
In order to turn the armed forces in favour of the trio, sources say they are invoking the name of the president within the party both in Abuja and the state to give the impression that the move to skew the primaries has received the blessings of President Jonathan.
“But our governor is waiting for them,” said an angry party member, without explaining what Governor Uduaghan plans to do to prevent them, he insisted that delegates do not favour the ‘enemies.”
Source: Thisday
