The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Deputy Publicity Secretary, Ibrahim Abdullahi, has denied claims that the party is controlled by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
Instead, he pointed to the 2023 presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, as the root cause of the party’s ongoing issues.
Speaking at a press conference titled “Fix PDP to Fix Nigeria” in Abuja, Abdullahi addressed the internal crisis that has plagued the party before and after the 2023 elections. While some members attribute the worsening situation to the failure of Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum, an ally of Wike, others hold Atiku and other party leaders accountable.
Abdullahi argued that Atiku’s frequent defections in and out of the PDP have weakened stakeholder support. He also accused Atiku of imposing a failed government under former President Muhammadu Buhari on the nation.
“We inherited these problems,” Abdullahi stated. “We are not under Wike’s control. Atiku Abubakar is responsible for bringing the worst government under Buhari upon us.”
He also criticized Atiku’s handling of party tensions, including dismissing the concerns of five governors who threatened the party ahead of the 2023 elections. Abdullahi blamed former National Chairman Iyorchia Ayu for sabotaging the party from within, stating that Ayu worked to undermine the party’s chances in favor of his personal relationships.
In his comments, Ikenga Ugochinyere, a lawmaker from Imo State, placed responsibility for the party’s difficulties on Damagum and Wike. Ugochinyere also highlighted the exodus of lawmakers and stakeholders from the PDP, saying the party’s symbol, the umbrella, no longer provides adequate protection.
