The Abia State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has issued a statement disassociating itself from the endorsement of Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, for a second term by former Senate President, Senator Adolphus Wabara. The statement, signed by Vice Chairman of Abia North, Abraham Amah, asserts that Wabara’s endorsement was his personal opinion and does not reflect the stance of the party.
According to reports, Wabara made the endorsement in response to Governor Otti’s recent flag off of the reconstruction of the Aba-Port-Harcourt road. He described the governor as a reliable and honorable leader who deserves a second term in office.
However, the Abia PDP is quick to clarify that Wabara’s statement does not align with the party’s position. In the statement, Amah warns that as a high-ranking PDP official who failed to deliver his unit for the party in the last election, Wabara should be cautious of his public conduct and statements—especially if he lacks a comprehensive understanding of the core issues at hand.
The Abia PDP further criticizes Wabara for speaking about the Port-Harcourt road project without proper knowledge of its history and the facts surrounding it. The party argues that the previous administration under Okezie Ikpeazu should also be credited for its contributions to the project, including the construction of several drainages along the road.
While Senator Wabara is entitled to his personal opinions, the Abia PDP emphasizes the importance of adhering to party channels of communication and refraining from making statements that could cause confusion or misrepresentation. The party asserts that any differences in opinion must be handled internally for the sake of unity and credibility.
As the 2023 elections draw near, political endorsements and statements will continue to shape the landscape of Nigerian politics. It becomes imperative for party leaders and members to consider the implications of their words and actions, as they can either bolster or undermine the cohesion of party structures and public perception.
