“PDP is bigger than Atiku and Wike” – Ex-party spokesman calls for peace

Kola Ologbondiyan, the former National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has urged former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and the current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, to reconcile their differences for the greater good of the party.

He emphasized that ongoing tensions between the two influential figures have overshadowed the party’s unity and progress.

In an interview on Channels Television’s Morning Brief, Ologbondiyan expressed concern that internal conflicts were diminishing the party’s focus and vision.

He stressed that the PDP should not be defined by the disagreements between Atiku and Wike, noting that the party represents millions of Nigerians whose interests must come first.

“I look forward to the day when the PDP will be allowed to breathe without being burdened by the ongoing issue between former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and the current Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike,” Ologbondiyan said.

He further emphasized that the PDP, as a national institution, is far larger than any individual, stating, “The PDP is larger than two individuals. It is a party of millions of people, and we cannot permanently reduce it to the level of what one side or the other is saying.”

Ologbondiyan called on party members and stakeholders to focus on the future and move beyond the 2023 elections and the disputes surrounding it.

The PDP has faced challenges in recent months, especially following the fallout from the 2023 presidential election, where Atiku Abubakar was the party’s candidate.

Wike, who was then the Governor of Rivers State, played a significant role in the election but has since had disagreements with Atiku and other party leaders, leading to a strained relationship.