POWER STRUGGLE IN PDP OVER PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGNS

A raging power struggle in the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is threatening to thwart the set goals of the campaigns of the presidential candidate. At the heart of the struggle is the Goodluck/Sambo presidential campaign organization which was dissolved last Sunday and the Acting National Chairman of the Party, Dr. Bello Haliru.

The struggle which had been simmering since the January 18, 2011 ousting of Dr. Okwesilieze Nwodo as chairman had intensified in the succeeding weeks, leaving on its trail, bad blood, nascent lethargy, and confusion.

The leadership of the party had effectively hijacked the presidential campaigns, while awaiting the appointment of new helmsmen. Already, there was intense lobbying for membership of the new organization and all the sub committees including finances, protocol, media, mobilization. Operations of the various committees had been fluid since the dissolution last Sunday

It was not clear if the new development had the endorsement of President Goodluck Jonathan. A presidential source however dismissed the unfortunate plot, insisting that the president was not bothered about who was in charge of affairs at this material time, but who would deliver.

'The presidential campaigns are running smoothly without hitches. So why should anyone care about who is doing it, If the results are good.

'The PDP is a well structured party and if functions overlap, it is expected in a large party - the largest in Africa.'

Party chieftains who played pivotal roles during the regime of ex-president Olusegun Obasanjo had equally been drafted informally into the presidential campaigns of Goodluck Jonathan across the states.

Notable among them are the former national chairman of the party, Col. Ahmadu Ali (retd) and Obasanjo's aide on domestic affairs, Dr. Andy Uba.

Expectations were rife that these men would be constituted into the new campaign organization if and when it was done.

Feelers from the party however indicate that there may not be a new campaign organization for now.

The dissolved campaign outfit, headed by Dr. Dalhatu Tafida was specifically empanelled for the sole purpose of delivering Jonathan and his running mate, Namadi Sambo with the party ticket. There was a seeming loss of confidence in their ability to meet the objective which necessitated the drafting of some chieftains of the party late November last year to rescue it.

It was not possible to reach the national publicity secretary of the party on the development last night as his cell phone was switched off. SMS sent to the phone was equally not returned.