The Nigeria Lawmakers Opposition Coalition has raised alarm over the state of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), revealing that 40 legislators and two sitting governors are set to defect due to what they describe as a deepening crisis and loss of direction within the party.
Speaking during a press briefing in his hometown of Akokwa on Friday, the coalition’s spokesperson, Hon. Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere, condemned the current leadership of the PDP, suggesting that its founding fathers would be disheartened by the party’s present trajectory.
“For two years, the leaders of this party have failed to find a solution to its internal crisis because they are actively undermining the very platform that made them,” Ugochinyere declared.
He demanded the immediate removal of the Acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum; PDP’s 2023 Imo State governorship candidate, Senator Samuel Anyanwu; and the expulsion of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
He further called for a substantive chairman to be appointed from the North Central zone, insisting that such a move is critical to salvaging the party.
Turning to Damagum’s remarks that relied on divine guidance in party matters, Ugochinyere criticized what he called selective spiritual rhetoric.
“Where was God when you allowed the North Central to be sidelined in appointing an acting chairman? Where was God when you supported APC defectors in court? Or when party structures were handed to APC members? And yet you speak of faith in God?” he queried.
Ugochinyere also lashed out at Wike’s continued presence in the PDP despite his alliance with the ruling APC, questioning why the party leadership tolerates his ongoing activities.
Beyond party politics, the lawmaker used the occasion to draw national attention to the escalating erosion problems plaguing his Ideato constituency in Imo State.
While expressing appreciation for ongoing efforts, he also highlighted critical areas in need of urgent government intervention.
“I thank the federal and state governments for their commitment, but in other parts of my constituency, especially the Umuechi-Urualla axis, the erosion is out of control.”
“It’s threatening St. Jude’s Catholic Church, the king’s palace, and federal infrastructure. The situation is dire,” Ugochinyere cautioned.
He lamented the failure of a previous World Bank-funded erosion project valued at N9 billion, blaming the previous state administration for mismanaging the funds and leaving the work incomplete.
Appealing to relevant authorities, he said, “Please intervene and save our people from being cut off by this devastating erosion menace.”
