PDP’s new power blocs

The last National Convention of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was both cheering and disappointing. Its outcome has altered the subsisting power calculus within the opposition party. In this report, WALE ELEGBEDE profiles the new men of power currently sailing the PDP’s ship towards the 2019 general elections
One of the defining political institutions at Nigeria’s return to a democratic rule in 1999 was the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Like a colossal entity that it was among other political parties formed at the advent of the Fourth Republic, the party, like a mother eagle, bestrode all facets of the country for 16 successive years. For close to two decades, the party was the in-thing in the polity and its image within the period looms large. Almost everybody from all walks of life wants to identify with it. From politicians to bankers, engineers, lawyers and the common man on the street, the umbrella party seems to be a party of choice.
For nearly two decades, the likes of Obasanjo, Rotimi Amaechi, Aminu Wali, Gemade, Anthony Anenih, Ibrahim Mantu,Jerry Gana, Dapo Sarumi, Jubril Martins-Kuye, Jim Nwobodo, Mrs. Kema Chikwe, Mrs. Stella Omu, Victor Attah, among others, are the subject matter in the PDP, but currently, the table has turned and new crops of power influentials are in the saddle With Wike leading the charge, New Telegraph profiles the current men of power in the PDP.
Nyesom Wike
Like him or loathe him, the Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, has established himself as a master strategist when it comes to politicking. He singlehandedly changed the power configuration of the PDP and this fittingly puts him at the crest of this list. Trained as a lawyer, Wike has established his foothold not only in the PDP and Rivers State politics, but in the entire country. He is in the business of using his contacts and influence to build the political career of others. He has shown dexterity, smartness and has mastered the act of political balancing.
He literally took the candidacy of Secondus upon himself at the convention, he ensured that his governor colleagues bought into it, rallied other stakeholders and delegates into the project, and it turned out well for his ally. If there is any man that will lead the charge of where PDP will head in 2019, it is Wike. He is the cynosure of all eyes because the balance of power seems to weigh heavily in his favour.

Read more https://newtelegraphonline.com/2018/01/pdps-new-power-blocks/