I was Targeted for Supporting Wike

Senator Samuel Anyanwu, a PDP chieftain, has alleged that the leaders of the PDP are fighting him because of his close association with former Rivers State Governor and now Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.

In an interview, Anyanwu alleged that the leadership of the PDP was behind a campaign of calumny and intimidation against him, aimed solely at weakening his political hold and destroying his relationship with Governor Wike.

“They are attacking me because I am close to Wike,” Anyanwu asserted. They see my closeness with the former governor as a violation of their own interests and wish to politically finish me,” he alleged.

The allegations of Anyanwu come on the heels of recent reports of a crisis in the PDP, with a section of the party leadership reportedly at loggerheads with Governor Wike over issues of leadership and direction of the party.

According to party sources, Anyanwu’s closeness to Wike has made him the subject of jealousy and resentment from some PDP leaders, who view him as a potential stumbling block to their own ambition.

“Anyanwu’s connection to Wike has given him some degree of access and influence that undermines some of the party leaders. They are trying to isolate him and demolish his credibility, but it will not work,” the source who didn’t want his name in print said.

The PDP leadership has been silent on Anyanwu’s allegations but party sources say the matter is being taken seriously and may be tabled at the party’s next national executive committee meeting.

In the meantime, Governor Wike has been reported to have come out in support of Anyanwu, calling him a “loyal and dedicated party member” who is worthy of the accolades and respect of all party stakeholders in the PDP.

“Anyanwu is a party man who has labored so hard to promote the interests of the PDP. I will not sit down and watch him being persecuted by individuals who claim to be his colleagues,” he said.

The action has caused widespread concern among PDP members, who fear that the party will be weakened in subsequent elections by the fighting.

“This is not the time to fight and struggle for power,” said one PDP supporter. “We should get together and work to win elections, not against one another.”

As the crisis deepens further, all are waiting for the PDP leadership to see how they will respond to Anyanwu’s allegations and address the cause of the war.