Tukur has been blamed for much of
the crises that have bedevilled the party, leading to calls for his removal by
the governors.
His removal was also one of the key
demands of the seven aggrieved governors of the party, five of whom have
defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Their departure notwithstanding, the
remaining governors of PDP have continued to push for his ouster on the grounds
that it would usher peace and reconciliation in the party.
However, in the bid to stop his
removal, the first lady, has in recent days been summoning the governors of the
party and mounting pressure on them to drop the idea of Tukur's sack.
It was gathered that some of the
governors she has met with include Kogi State Governor, Capt. Idris Wada, with
businesswoman, Ms. Bola Shagaya, in attendance.
Sources said that at the meeting,
the first lady made it clear that the governor should throw his support behind
Tukur, failing which she would use her influence to ensure that he does not get
the ticket of the party for a second term. Mrs. Jonathan extended her campaign
to the Akwa Ibom Governor, Godswill Akpabio, and his Abia State counterpart,
Theodore Orji.
When she met with them individually,
the source said, she informed them that should they insist on Tukur's ouster,
she would impede their efforts to determine who their successors will be.
They said: "The first lady
is very determined to ensure Tukur remains the chairman of the party, as she is
of the view that his sack could make her husband, the president,
vulnerable. She also does not have confidence that if Tukur is removed,
there is a guaranty that his successor will protect the interest of the
president as the elections draw near.
The
governors are expected to meet with the president today after the National
Economic Council (NEC) meeting to insist on Tukur's ouster.
ThisDay
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