PDP Worries Over Gov Poll In Adamawa, Bayelsa, Others

As violent reactions have continued to trail the removal of fuel subsidy in some parts of the country, palpable tension and  anxiety have gripped the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) over possible backlash as it prepares for elections in five states.

The party, according to a source, who is a member of PDP’s National Caucus, is “in shock and disbelief” over the timing of the action of the Federal Government on New Year day.

But the National Legal Adviser, Chief Olusola Oke told Saturday Tribune that there were no reasons for the party to entertain any fears about the elections, saying, the effects of the government’s action, “whether positive or otherwise, are to be borne by all Nigerians, irrespective of political affiliations, religion and ethnic placement”.

The source told our correspondent that the party was taken aback by the sudden action of the government, claiming that not even the Acting National Chairman of the party, Alhaji Kawu Baraje, knew about the New Year day shocker.

“The issues were actually well discussed at the party level; we were convinced of the government’s intentions for the economy, but our problem now is that no one, not even the acting national chairman of the party was in the know of this sudden action.

“In the first place, the wrong time of the festive period cannot be wished away; how do you expect someone who had gone home, for instance for celebration, with the aim of returning to his base with the little he has as transport fare to react to this ugly development?

“Secondly, as a party, we are going into some very crucial elections in about four or five states. With the reactions still on, how do we face the people to sell our party because the whole thing will be pushed back to the PDP at the polls; in some states? Elections are holding as early as January and February this year, in states like Adamawa and Bayelsa for instance. For an enlightened electorate, this is enough to vote out a party from office. To be candid with you, we are in deep shock and disbelief,” he said.

Meanwhile, there are indications that the Bayelsa State governor, Chief Timipre Sylva, may unveil his new political platform on which to contest the February 12 governorship election in the state.

A source close to the governor told our correspondent that already, Sylva was on the verge of completing his nomination form.

He however, declined to disclose the political party the embattled governor had found as an alternative after he was disqualified from contesting the governorship primaries of PDP.

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