A founding member of the All Progressives Congress, Osita Okechukwu, has urged the Peoples Democratic Party to acknowledge its role in the recent mass defection of state governors. Okechukwu stated that the PDP’s leadership should accept blame for the defections, which he described as a consequence of the party’s “impunity” and breach of its own zoning convention during the 2022 presidential primary.

Speaking to journalists in Abuja, Okechukwu referenced his previous warnings to the PDP as a spokesperson for the Conference of Nigerian Political Parties. He had cautioned the party against allowing certain individuals, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, to disregard the zoning convention. Okechukwu argued that the PDP’s failure to adhere to its own constitution has led to the current situation, where several governors have defected to the APC.

The defections, according to Okechukwu, are a result of the PDP’s “callous negligence” of its own principles, including the zoning convention that aimed to promote unity and fairness within the party. He questioned how the PDP leadership allowed Atiku to become the party’s flagbearer in the 2023 presidential election, despite having benefited from the zoning convention in 2019.

Okechukwu emphasized that the PDP should focus on introspection and moral contrition rather than blaming others for its current situation. He suggested that the party’s leaders should acknowledge their role in the defections and work towards reforming the party. Rather than apportioning blame to the defected governors or the APC, Okechukwu advised the PDP to undergo a “house cleaning” and start anew.

The recent defections have significant implications for Nigeria’s political landscape, particularly in the lead-up to future elections. As the PDP navigates this challenging period, it remains to be seen how the party will respond to Okechukwu’s criticisms and address its internal contradictions. The party’s ability to reform and rebuild will be crucial in determining its future prospects and relevance in Nigerian politics.