Fear grips PDP

The continued call on the Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu to defect from the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP),  to the All Progressives Congress, (APC),  is creating fear and apprehension among members of the PDP caucus at the Senate.

Senators told our reporter that with the new wind of peace permeating the caucus of the APC at the Senate, Ekweremadu can be easily edged out.

Ekweremadu punctured the tradition of the National Assembly in June 2015 when he defeated Senator Ali Ndume (APC, Borno) to emerge the Deputy Senate President in an APC-dominated chamber.

After Ekweremadu’s victory, Ndume was placated with the Senate Leader seat which he occupied  until when he was removed.

It was gathered that the removal of Ndume triggered the call for Ekweremadu’s defection to the APC on Tuesday when Ahmed Lawan, (APC, Yobe) emerged as the Senate Leader. 

Spokesperson of the Senate Unity Forum, (SUF), which campaigned for Senator Lawan for the Senate Presidency, Senator Kabiru Marafa (APC, Zamfara) started the call on Ekweredamu’s defection. Since then others have joined in the clamour.

A senator who does not want to be named said the Ndume’s treatment can be meted out on Ekweremadu. 

He said: “Even though Ndume’s removal was not against our rules, the strategy used was unprecedented and tricky. Ekweremadu can be treated in same manner and nothing would happen.”

Another Senator said the strength of the PDP at the Senate has been weakened by the emergence of Lawan.

When Senator Marafa was contacted on what would be their next line of action if Ekweremadu refuses to defect to the APC, he said, “If we reach the bridge, we will cross it. But for now, we are appealing to him to do so.” 

In an interview with our reporter, Senator Mohammed Hassan, (PDP, Yobe) said: “It is not true that we are in fear over Ekweremadu’s seat…There is nothing bad for them to be wooing him to their party, we too are calling on the Senate President, Bukola Saraki to join us in the PDP.”