Date Published: 04/18/10

IBB desperate to stop Atiku ...May use Article 8.9 of PDP Statute.

Ibrahim Babaginda

Pointblanknews.com has leant that there are moves by Ex President Ibrahim  Babangida to prevail on the leadership of the PDP to stop returnee ex VP, Atiku Abubakar in his tracks.

According to our sources the return of Atiku has not only split the party down the middle but sent jitters down the spine of the Babangida camp. Even though he has a lorry load of cash, ex and sewrving Governors, ministers, and lawmakers in his flank, the return of Atiku, a formidable mobiliser is no being t taken lightly.

It was gathered that the plot of the IBB think tank is to find of way of infiltrating the top echelon of the party and ensure the statute of the party is invoked concerning returnees to the party.

But the Atiku flank which has a huge war chest running into millions of dollars, has the backing of the formidable PDM group in the party, which was nuttured by late General Musa Yar'Adua. He also has people like Titi Ajanaku, Dubem Onyia, Kareto , Otunba Fasawe, Lawal Keita, Ben Obi and Dapo Sarumi rooting for him.

Pointblanknews.com learnt that the target is the PDP chairman, Vincent Ogbulafor. Shortly after Atiku officially informed the NEC of his return, Ogbulafor was circumspect about the ex vice presidents ambition side by side the stattute of the party.

Article 8.9 of the party's statute says persons who desire to rejoin the party after leaving it, shall, unless exempted by the National Working Committe, be placed on probation for a period of time not less than one year. He is expected to pay his fees with no voting power. Asked if the party would consider the Alex Ekwueme's report of reconcilliation in dealing with Atiku, Ogbulafor emphatically said no. He also refused to comment if Atiku could benefit from a possible waiver.

Atiku also has Ex president, Olusegun Obasanjo, Adamawa state Governor, Murtala Nyako, and Prof. Jubril Aminu to contend with. These men are all beneficiaries of the Babangida regime. Nyako was chief of naval staff, while Aminu was education minister among other positions held.

According to our sources , the Babangida camp is desperately looking for ways to trap Atiku with Article 8.9. If this is bought by Ogbulafor and the PDP, Atiku would be out of contention for at least one year.

Pointblanknews.com learnt that Myako who is one of IBB boys recentlt did a volte face and trashed Atiku's return. Obasanjo  is currently disposed to IBB, since he is yet to forgive Atiku for scuttling his 3rd term ambition. Although he would want Goodluck Jonathan to continue, sources say his plan B is IBB. To ensure Atiku is stopped and coast is clear, we learnt, Obasanjo and his men would plot  the exit of Ogbulafor, just like he did to Audu Ogbeh.

As IBB and his men fine tunes their startegy, Atiku, it was gathered, is poised to play up the low sides of the babangida regime. They include the death of Dele Giwa, the dissapearance of the gulf war windfall, the Okigbo report, June 12, etc.