PDP IN DISARRAY AS AMAECHI AND SIX OTHER GOVERNORS FORM NEW PARTY

The internal power tussle in Nigeria's
ruling People's Democratic Party (PDP)
has finally led to the birth of a rival
new party, UNTAMED NEWS has
gathered. Floated by seven state
governors from the PDP, the new party
is currently going through registration
formalities at the Independent
Electoral Commission (INEC).

According to a report in the
VANGUARD newspaper, the party
known as the VOICE OF THE PEOPLE
(VOP) is the baby of controversial
governor of oil-rich Rivers state, Mr
Rotimi Amaechi who is
known to have been embroiled in a
protracted personality clash with the
presidency. Amaechi who is chair of the
Governor's Forum is believed to have the
blessings of several PDP big wigs including
at least six other state governors among
the twenty-three in the PDP.

The Vaguard quotes a source at INEC that
confirmed that the Commission was
processing VOP's application although the
source would not confirm what stage it had
reached. According to the newspaer, the
seven governors alleged to be behind the
new party include all five Northern
governors that have engaged in a series of
consultations with eminent statesmen,
including former heads of state.

The five governors are Murtala Nyako of
Adamawa ; Rabiu Kwankwanso of Kano;
Aliyu Wamakko of Sokoto; Sule Lamido of
Jigawa and Babangida Aliyu of Niger State.
The five governors are being joined in the
rebellion against the PDP by Governor
Abdulfatah Ahmed of Kwara and Rotimi
Amaechi of Rivers State.

Another governor is also sympathetic to the
proposed VOP, but his identity could not
be confirmed as at weekend. The
inclinations of Speaker Aminu Waziri
Tambuwal towards the new party have also
not been confirmed though it was learnt
that he has been approached.

The decision of the governors to move out
of the PDP came ahead of the special
national convention of the PDP this
weekend. Governor Amaechi who has been
suspended has not been invited to the
convention but the decision of the other six
to pull out of the PDP could come as a
blow to the PDP given the electoral weight
of the states involved.

(Photo credit:
Vanguard)