A group of opposition lawmakers has accused a number of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governors and state party chairmen of secretly plotting to extend the tenure of the party’s acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, until 2027.
During a press conference held in Akokwa, Imo State, the lawmakers claimed that this clandestine move was designed to weaken the PDP’s chances in future elections by undermining the party’s viability as a credible opposition party.
Ikenga Ugochinyere, the lawmaker representing Ideato North/Ideato South Federal Constituency, Imo State, and the lead spokesperson for the group, criticized the PDP leaders, saying that they were missing the mark in their ability to effectively lead the opposition and provide a strong, alternative voice for the Nigerian people.
“Today, our country faces numerous challenges, economic and political, but unfortunately, we’re lacking one essential element: a proactive and responsible opposition party that can effectively hold the government accountable,” Ugochinyere said.
He described the PDP as “a party hijacked by political charlatans,” adding that these individuals have transformed the party into “an errand platform” for the ruling party. He lamented that what was once a party of strong leaders, such as the founders Alex Ekwueme, Jerry Gana, Atiku Abubakar, Olusegun Obasanjo, and others, has devolved into a party driven by personal interests.
Ugochinyere alleged that plans were underway to scuttle the selection of a new National Chairman from the North Central zone, a position that was originally scheduled to be filled. In its place, he alleged that the party leaders will instead continue to keep Acting Chairman Umar Damagum in office until 2027, with the aim of foisting an ineffective candidate on the party for the presidential election.
Accusing the party leadership of lacking honor and decency, Ugochinyere also claimed that they are nurturing a political alliance with the Federal Capital Territory Minister, Mr. Nyesom Wike, saying that this is a disheartening development that even the ruling party will benefit from.
