Governor Idris Wada’s second term ambition has driven a wedge between the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governors and members of its National Working Committee.
The governors and the NWC are at cross-roads on how to go about preventing the All Progressives Congress (APC) from winning the November 28 governorship election in the state.
The major contenders for the PDP ticket are a former banker, Jibrin Isa Echocho and Governor Wada.
It was learnt that while Governor Olusegun Mimiko, ex-Governors of Cross River and Kogi States, Liyel Imoke and Ibrahim Idris respectively, are supporting Wada, Governor Ayodele Fayose, two governors and some NWC members prefer Echocho because of what they believe are “his wider acceptance by PDP members and the electorate”.
Towards ensuring that their preferred choice emerged the PDP flag bearer, Mimiko, Imoke and Senator Iyiola Omisore had a long session with Echocho a few days ago to convince him on the need to step down.
The pro-Wada leaders explained that ordinarily the governor ought to have been given an automatic ticket – in line with the agreement between PDP governors and ex-President Goodluck Jonathan before the 2015 general elections.
But Echocho vowed to stay in the race.
A highly-placed source said: “The PDP is in disarray in Kogi State ahead of the governorship poll. Some PDP governors and NWC members are sharply divided on the choice of the party’s candidate.
“Based on alleged low performance, some governors and NWC members believe that Wada’s candidacy is not sellable.
“They said a survey conducted by the party indicated that the PDP might lose if Wada is fielded.
“They said the ultimate target is to prevent the APC from winning the governorship poll”.
It was learnt that these reasons accounted for why the NWC refused to concede automatic ticket to Wada.
But Mimiko, Imoke, Idris and Omisore said Wada had done “reasonably well” and PDP could win the state again.
Another source added: “Mimiko and others begged Echocho to step down for Wada, but he refused, saying they were trying to force him to go through his 2011 experience.
“Echocho warned that PDP will lose if Wada is anointed as the candidate of the party”, said the source.
