Posted by The Port Harcourt Telegraph on
The ward congresses and all that is listed for the political calendar this year may begin about April. But the stage is set for the political combats and the horse-trading that go with the preparation of political slates.
The ward congresses and all that is listed for the political calendar this year may begin about April. But the stage is set for the political combats and the horse-trading that go with the preparation of political slates.
Already, names are popping up as politicians align in pursuit of power in 2007. And the forth-coming party congresses right from the ward level would provide a litmus test.
Perhaps, very significant among political combatants, especially those with strong political intentions is how party offices would be zoned.
Within Restoration, the governor's political platform, several groups are aligning.
And they are lining up behind aspirants whose names are being dropped.
In the political chess-game, all positions are important, but nothing gives aspirants a creepy feeling more than the question of who becomes party chairman.
Within the PDP in Rivers State, what is of great significance now is the chairmanship.
For candidates seeking the governorship, the zoning of the chairmanship to their catchment area could mean the end of the race.
As the schemes for power mature, sources within the party are suggesting Orashi might have the chairmanship.
Two reasons are being canvassed. First, under Governor Odili's watch, Orashi region would be doing eight years.
With no interest in the governorship, sending the chairmanship to the region would be the best thing.
Secondly, nobody among the major aspirants for Brick House would feel hurt if, by a zoning arrangement, the area gets it.
In fact from what we have heard, the aspirants might be pushing for this.
This would mean that with Secondus out of the way the Opobo/Nkoro axis might make a strong bid for the secretaryship.
Within the PDP, there has been the thinking that Prince Uche Secondus might quit after serving his time.
That might not be as likely now. The story is that under a review of the party constitution which makes his tenure four years, he may still be entitled to another fresh mandate. The indication is, depending on party leadership, he may be in the race too.