PDP Chieftain Accuses Party-Leaders Of Plotting To Reintegrate-Defected-Lawmakers (View Text)

Ikenga Ugochinyere, a prominent member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and House of Representatives representative, has leveled allegations against the party’s acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, regarding a purported scheme to reintegrate 27 defected lawmakers from Rivers State back into the PDP fold….CONTINUE READING

The defected lawmakers had previously switched allegiance to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in December 2023.

During a press conference held in Abuja on Thursday, Ugochinyere, who represents Ideato South/Ideato North Federal Constituency of Imo State, disclosed clandestine legal maneuvers allegedly orchestrated to undermine the PDP’s position in Rivers State.

According to Ugochinyere, these maneuvers involved filing legal documents covertly to challenge the declaration of vacancy for the seats of the 27 defectors, thereby violating party loyalty and judicial procedures.

“We have undeniable evidence indicating that the PDP, under the direction of Umar Damagum and with the legal assistance of Kamaldeen Ajibade, employed Joshua Musa, SAN—a known associate of Minister Wike—to file motions contradicting the party’s directives,” Ugochinyere asserted.

He highlighted that these motions aimed to impede the efforts of the Rivers State House of Assembly in declaring the defectors’ seats vacant.

The controversy escalates with claims of a $2 million bribe allegedly accepted by individuals orchestrating these legal challenges. However, Ugochinyere clarified that his statements were based on factual evidence rather than unproven allegations.

This internal strife occurs against a backdrop of broader political maneuvering, with Ugochinyere accusing Damagum of employing delaying tactics in relinquishing his position, which purportedly was decided upon during a National Executive Committee meeting to facilitate a smooth transition to a new chairman from North Central.

Further complicating matters, the PDP chieftain criticized the misuse of legal ex parte orders and uncontested court actions, which he deemed maneuvers enabling APC influences within the PDP’s structural hierarchy.

“It is disheartening to witness the hijacking of our party structures by those who should be our political adversaries,” lamented Ugochinyere.

He called upon the PDP’s National Executive Committee, the Board of Trustees, and all stakeholders to reassess the party’s leadership dynamics to protect its integrity and future.

Published By: Destiny.Jnr