In a recent development, the minority and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) caucuses within the House of Representatives have publicly disowned Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere and his coalition of opposition lawmakers. This disavowal comes amidst heightened tensions within the PDP ahead of the upcoming National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting slated for April 18.
The disavowal was communicated through a joint statement co-signed by all minority caucus leaders, including Kingsley Chinda, Ali Madaki, Ali Isah, and George Ozodinobi. The statement vehemently rejects the legitimacy of Ugochinyere’s coalition and distances both caucuses from its actions.
The opposition lawmakers, under the banner of the Coalition of Opposition Lawmakers, had recently held a press conference where they issued ultimatums to the PDP leadership. Among their demands was the nullification of what they termed as “doctored” lists of caretaker committees in several states, alleging bias towards members and loyalists of the All Progressive Congress (APC).
Additionally, the coalition called for the resignation of Ambassador Umar Damagun, the acting national chairman of PDP, proposing a replacement from the North Central geopolitical zone until the party conducts a national convention, in accordance with its constitution.
In response, the minority and PDP caucuses firmly stated that Ugochinyere’s coalition lacks recognition within the parliament, condemning their actions as uncouth and unparliamentary. They emphasized that the coalition’s demands do not reflect the stance of minority parties and urged the public to disregard any misinformation propagated by the group.
This latest development underscores the internal strife within the PDP and sets the stage for potentially contentious discussions at the upcoming NEC meeting.