Tomorrow, August 31, 2024, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kogi State will hold a crucial congress at Kefas Multi-Purpose Hall in Lokoja. Delegates from all 21 local government areas will gather to elect a new state executive to lead the party for the next four years.
This congress is critical not only for shaping the party’s leadership in Kogi but also as a test of loyalty within the PDP. The outcome will be closely watched to see if Former Governor Nyesom Wike, the Honorable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, maintains his significant influence, and how Atiku Abubakar’s loyalists align themselves within the party.
Tensions are rising among Atiku Abubakar’s loyalists, who are reportedly considering withdrawing from the congress. Some key leaders have passed a vote of no confidence on the national acting chairman, Amb. Umar Damagum, accusing him of bias and alleging that he has sold the party to the highest bidder. However, the Atiku camp has not provided concrete evidence to support these claims. Critics argue that if they did not attempt to lobby Damagum or engage with him directly, it raises questions about how they could substantiate such accusations.
The event is expected to reveal the party’s internal dynamics and could influence future political alignments. Observers are calling for a fair and transparent process, with results likely to reflect the true state of unity and factional strength within the PDP.
As the congress unfolds, it will be a key moment for both Wike’s supporters and Atiku’s faction, highlighting their influence and strategic positioning within the party.
– Olayinka Samuel
