Oliver Diana, a former candidate for the presidency from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 election, has provided an explanation for why the party’s leadership has refrained from imposing any punishment on Nyesom Wike, the former governor of Rivers State, for alleged activities against the party.
Diana, who was the sole female candidate in the race for the party’s ticket, stated to Sunday PUNCH that contrary to speculations suggesting that the PDP was reluctant to take disciplinary action against the former governor, the party had consciously chosen to pursue a peaceful approach, being mindful of the upcoming challenges and conflicts.
During an interview with a correspondent from PUNCH, Diana expressed that there was no question about the PDP’s ability to enforce discipline. She further emphasized that the priority should be on strengthening the party and repositioning it for the demands of political leadership, rather than focusing on punishing a member who had erred.
She said, “The party is not finding it difficult to sanction Wike, but it has only chosen to take the path of peace. We are not interested in additional hurdles or to ignite more fire. A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja recently said the PDP had the power to sanction him (Wike) in line with due process.
“The party has the capacity to wield the axe against anyone, but it is looking at the bigger picture, the path of peace.”
However, Timothy Osadolor, a member of the PDP National Executive Committee, called upon Wike to resign from the party in a dignified manner. He added that the party leadership had taken appropriate action by disregarding him.
Osadolor stated, “It is now clear that the former Rivers State governor is everywhere begging for a job. If you saw his interview with BBC Pidgin Service, you will know that the man is gone and confused.
“He was asked a simple question if he would take an appointment from Tinubu. He replied that he would ask his wife and close associates and added that he was not too big to serve Nigeria. Is that not an affirmation that he will accept the offer if it comes?”
Furthermore, Sixtus Omokhagbor, a political ally of Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State, pointed out that Wike’s recent behavior over the past few months indicated that he should be considered as someone who is no longer a member of the party.
