Ugochinyere’s Allegation, Time For PDP To Act

Some opposition lawmakers, under the aegis of the Coalition for United Political Parties (CUPP), recently raised an alarm over a renewed plot by the 27 lawmakers of the Rivers State House of Assembly to impeach Governor Siminalayi Fubara. The legislators had defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) last December.
The spokesman of the coalition, Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere, made this claim during a press briefing held in the National Assembly, Abuja. He revealed some leaked court documents signed by the PDP Acting Chairman, Illiya Umar Damagun, and the PDP Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, to aid the pro-Wike APC interest against a party in Rivers State and to assist in their attempt to remove Governor Fubara from office.
Speaking during the media chat, Hon. Ugochinyere said: “The opposition lawmakers coalition under the main opposition coalition umbrella, the CUPP, today raised serious allegations against the party’s Acting National Chairman, Mr Umar Damagum, and National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu.
“The lawmakers accused the two party leaders of a covert plot to sabotage the PDP’s interests in an ongoing legal battle involving defected former members of the Rivers State House of Assembly which is part of a desperate and shameful effort to betray their party, destroy all legal efforts and aid the pro-Wike APC elements have the legal backing to attempt their impossible plot of removing the PDP government led by Gov. Fubara out of office.”
He further claimed that the national chairman of the PDP, along with the secretary, shamefully opposed the national legal adviser’s effort to neutralise and prevent the pro-Wike dismissed APC lawmakers from jeopardising the interests of the PDP. The chairman and secretary sought to support the pro-Wike APC lawmakers who were dismissed, hoping to help them regain their lost legitimacy and make another attempt to remove their party’s governor.
No doubt, Ugochinyere’s accusation carries significant weight and raises serious concerns that warrant a thorough investigation to determine its truthfulness. It is particularly disheartening and unfortunate that such assertions are directed at the individuals holding the two highest offices in the party, as this tarnishes the integrity of the institutions they represent. The gravity of the troubling situation cannot be overstated.
We unequivocally denounce the actions of the Chairman and Secretary of the main opposition party in their purported involvement in a plot to impeach the Rivers State governor. It is shocking to witness such a betrayal of trust and blatant disregard for a dedicated party member. The governor has been tirelessly working to uplift the lives of his people and promote development in the state, only to face opposition from within his political party.
It is deeply disappointing to witness the leadership of a major political party prioritise the interests of a single individual over the well-being of the people they were elected to serve. Governor Fubara has been a beacon of hope for the PDP and residents of Rivers State, and his dedication to good governance should be celebrated and supported, not undermined by those within his party. The move to impeach him reeks of political opportunism and a lack of regard for party commitment and loyalty.
Though the PDP Governors Forum and the Board of Trustees (BOT) have condemned the move to unseat Fubara, however, to truly safeguard democracy and party dignity, they must do more than offer solidarity. They must proactively mobilise their party machinery and thwart the nefarious plans of those seeking to subvert the party’s interests. They should move against the defected 27 lawmakers and the machinations of the APC. By denying these individuals a platform within the PDP, both organs can effectively neutralise their ability to disrupt the affairs of the once formidable PDP.
Other organs of the party should collaborate and resist the chairman and the secretary. These two officers have caused enough problems for the opposition party and do not deserve to continue in their offices. The current crisis in the PDP is attributable to them and their cohort, former Governor Nyesom Wike. The constant power struggles, lack of respect for party laws, and questionable decision-making have led to a loss of trust and support from party members and the general public. The PDP must take swift action to remove these individuals from their positions to restore unity and credibility within the party.
Stakeholders must take immediate action to prevent the potential demise of the PDP. Allowing the current crisis, fueled by the self-serving actions of the implicated officials, to continue unchecked could lead to irreparable damage. These leaders must prioritise the party’s unity over personal interests. Every member must work to safeguard the PDP’s future and reinforce its role as a vital opposition force. The time for decisive intervention is now; complacency could ultimately seal the party’s fate.
Ugochinyere’s allegations demand a prompt and transparent response from those implicated; silence may be interpreted as tacit admission of guilt. The party organs must act decisively to reclaim their party. It is disheartening to witness a once awe-inspiring political party struggle to present a cohesive front, particularly with the 2027 elections looming. This fragmentation signals a troubling departure from the PDP that Nigerians once revered, raising concerns about its future viability and relevance in a rapidly evolving political landscape. Unity, discipline, and internal democracy are essential for the party’s revival.