The internal strife within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has deepened following sharp criticism directed at the party’s Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Ibrahim Abdullahi, by the Arewa PDP Unity Forum (APUF) over his remarks concerning former Enugu State Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi.
In a statement released on Friday and signed by its National President, Dr. Maikanti Adamu, the forum condemned Abdullahi’s comments on national television as “reckless and disrespectful,” warning that such public derision of respected party leaders would undermine unity crucial for the 2027 general elections.
Abdullahi’s comments, made during a media appearance, reportedly diminished the political standing of Ugwuanyi—a two-term governor—by claiming he had “reduced himself to a personal assistant, literally carrying bags for a sitting minister” (a reference likely aimed at FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, whom Ugwuanyi is often seen with).
Dr. Adamu of the APUF strongly rebuked the statement, calling it “unfortunate and unnecessary.” He defended Ugwuanyi’s contributions, emphasizing that he delivered Enugu State to the PDP in the last election, helping the party maintain political relevance in the South-East during a difficult period.
“To describe a two-term governor who delivered his state for the PDP in the last election as someone ‘carrying a bag’ for anyone is an insult not only to Ugwuanyi but to the collective history and legacy of our party,” Adamu stated.
The forum further highlighted that while many states slipped from the PDP’s grasp, “Enugu stood firm under Ugwuanyi’s leadership. Those who could not even hold their local governments for the party should be the last to question his loyalty or stature.”
The APUF reminded the PDP hierarchy that all top figures deserve respect, regardless of their current political alignment, and argued that Abdullahi’s public comments project arrogance and exacerbate internal divisions.
“Our national officers should be seen as unifiers, not purveyors of insult,” Adamu argued, querying, “If we keep ridiculing our own, how do we expect the Nigerian people to take us seriously as a government-in-waiting?”
The forum urged the PDP National Working Committee (NWC) to caution its spokespersons against trivializing the sacrifices of past leaders, stressing that mutual respect and discipline are essential for the party’s cohesion as it plans for the 2027 polls. The APUF concluded by reaffirming its respect for all former governors and party elders as “living pillars of the PDP whose experience must not be discarded for the sake of media soundbites.”
