By AfrikTimes— Prince Diran Odeyemi, a former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has attributed the ongoing political turmoil in Rivers State to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s ambition to run in the 2027 presidential election. Speaking at an interactive session hosted by the League of Veteran Journalists in Osogbo, Odeyemi linked the rift between Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, to Atiku’s political aspirations.
Odeyemi urged Atiku to withdraw from the 2027 presidential race in the interest of fostering peace within the party. He also called on the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to focus on restoring harmony within the PDP. “For peace to prevail in the PDP, Atiku should publicly announce that he is not running in 2027, and Wike should commit to promoting unity within the party,” Odeyemi said.
He emphasized that both Atiku and Wike, as senior leaders, must recognize the need for peace in the party for it to progress. According to Odeyemi, as long as members of the PDP continue to align themselves with either figure, the crisis will persist.
He further described the political conflict in Rivers State as a reflection of the larger internal issues facing the PDP nationally, with factions supporting Fubara backing Atiku, while Wike loyalists oppose him.
Odeyemi also commended Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke for his administration’s achievements, noting significant progress across various sectors within less than two years. As Chairman of the Governing Council of Osun State College of Technology, Esa-Oke, he praised Adeleke’s efficient resource management and anticipated further infrastructure improvements in the coming years.
