Atiku Appoints Anyim, Saraki, Others as Special Advisers, Snubs Wike, Names Uche Secondus Technical Adviser

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar last night, announced the appointment of two former Senate presidents Anyim Pius Anyim and Bukola as Special Advisers in his Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential campaign team.

While Anyim would serve as special adviser, Saraki would serve as a Special Envoy to the PDP Presidential candidate.

Also appointed in the PDP presidential campaign team are Sen. Ibrahim Shekarau; former Gov. Olagunsoye Oyinlola of Osun and Sen. Ehigie Uzamere.

“Former PDP National Chairman, Mr Uche Secondus bouncing back to reckoning as he was appointed Technical Adviser to the presidential candidate.

In a statement in Abuja, last night, by his Media Adviser, Mr. Paul Ibe, Atiku said the that the appointments were aimed at strengthening the team.  Atiku said that all the appointments took immediate effect.

He charged the appointees to use their vast political experiences in ensuring that the PDP presidential campaign recorded resounding success in the 2023 election.

Political analysts said the appointments of these heavy weight politicians were part of strategic moves by the former vice president, to cut the Rivers State governor, Nyesom Wike to size.

Both Anyim and Saraki have many qualities in common. First, the two had vied against Atiku at the PDP presidential primary at which the former president emerged the flagbearer of the PDP and did not step down, despite pressures from several quarters. However, unlike Wike who has engaged in a running battle with Atiku and the main opposition party since the end of the primary, each took his loss with calm disposition. Second, Anyim and Saraki each served for only one term, as Senate president, succumbing to stronger forces that worked against their return. Third, each is known top be a quiet political operator, commanding nationwide acceptance and capable of contributing immensely towards cementing the huge cracks that have developed in various parts of the party.

While Shekarau’s appointment is almost predictable following his departure from the NNNP, the appointment of Wike’s mortal political foe, the former national chairman of the PDP Uche Secondus is bound to ignite a frenzy in the nation’s political space and signals Atiku’s emphatic resolve to call Wike’s bluff. It is left to be seen how Wike will react.

Last night, a close associate of Atiku told True Vision that while Atiku sincerely longed for Wike’s hand and collaboration in the campaign, conveying the impression that the party could not move forward without the Governor’s dictates would amount to showing weakness when strength was needed.

Besides, according to the source, Atiku’s closest associates had concluded that the last revelations by Wike, pointed to a man whose mind was gone and who could no longer be trusted to be part of the team.