The main opposition party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is reportedly mulling sanctioning the five aggrieved governors elected on the party’s platform, popularly called the G5, over anti-party activities.
Naija News reports that Governors Nyesom Wike (Rivers), Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Samuel Ortom (Benue), Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia), Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu) are currently in London, the United Kingdom, to choose between supporting Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress and Peter Obi of the Labour Party.
Reports had emerged on Wednesday claiming that the five governors had met with Tinubu to conclude plans on backing his presidential ambition.
Reacting to the G5 reported alliance with Tinubu, a member of the PDP National Working Committee, Timothy Osadalor, said the party has what it takes to impose the necessary sanctions on the governors should they endorse another candidate.
Osadolor, who is the Deputy National Youth Leader of the party, said, “These governors know the party they belong to; they know what the party can do. Should they take this step they have been working on for a while now and the party will do what is necessary.
“We want to believe that they are in the United Kingdom for vacation and so reacting to speculations is not what we should be doing now. We want to assure Nigerians that if they take that decision and support a candidate other than ours, the PDP will act. Let me put it straight: this party has the capacity to discipline them and any member who tries to undermine its will.’’
Also speaking, the PDP spokesman, Debo Ologunagba told The PUNCH that the main opposition party would apply relevant provisions of its constitution when its needed.
He stated, “The PDP is a party of constitution, rules and procedures. We don’t react to speculations. In taking decisions, we look at the our party constitution in relation to issues. Whatever happens, it is the constitution that will guide the action we will take.
“These governors are conversant with the PDP constitution having sworn to uphold it. If they take that action (endorse a rival presidential candidate), we will take a decision in line with the provisions of the constitution.
“They have contributed to the success of the party and they have also benefited immensely from the party. They should know that the provisions of the constitution are applicable to every member of the party.
“Reconciliation is not 100m dash but a marathon. We hope they will realize this and embrace the party for good.”
A PDP chieftain and member of the party’s Board of Trustees, Eddy Olafeso, expressed confidence that the crisis rocking the party would be resolved.
He stated that a workable solution can still be found to reconcile the governors with the PDP presidential candidate.
Asked if the party would sanction the governors over their alleged romance with the APC standard bearer, he said, “I cannot act on rumours; there is nothing before the party to consider. We are still thinking that we will be able to have a common ground for this election, but if those things happen, then it will take a position of issue of discipline. That is when we will be talking about that.”
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