PDP Deputy Publicity Secretary Blames Atiku for Party’s Issues
In a press conference in Abuja on Tuesday, Ibrahim Abdullahi, the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) National Deputy Publicity Secretary, rejected claims that the party is under the influence of Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. Instead, he attributed the party’s issues to its 2023 presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar.
Abdullahi stated that Atiku’s frequent defections to and from the PDP have dampened stakeholder support for the party, and that the current National Working Committee (NWC) has inherited these issues. He also pointed out that one of the issues Atiku created for both the party and Nigerians was imposing a worst government under former President Muhammadu Buhari on the country.
Abdullahi emphasized that the PDP is not in the pocket of Wike, and that Atiku’s actions have led to the party’s current crisis. He warned that if the crisis is not addressed, the PDP will become a laughingstock among Nigerians.
Meanwhile, lawmaker Ikenga Ugochinyere attributed the party’s challenges to the failure of acting National Chairman Umar Damagum and former Rivers State Governor Wike to revitalize the party. He stated that lawmakers and other stakeholders are leaving the PDP for other parties because the party’s symbol, the umbrella, is no longer sufficient to provide them protection.
Ugochinyere also criticized Damagum’s position as Acting Chairman, saying that it is creating significant issues for the party. He warned that if the crisis within the party continues, the PDP will become a laughingstock among Nigerians.
The press conference, titled "Fix PDP to Fix Nigeria," was an attempt by the party to address its internal issues and revitalize its chances of becoming a viable opposition party. However, the ongoing crisis has negatively impacted the party’s influence and popularity among many Nigerians.