APC Implicated in PDP’s Internal Turmoil, Claims Ex-Imo Governor Udenwa
In a bold accusation, former Imo State governor Achike Udenwa has pointed fingers at the All Progressives Congress (APC) for fueling the ongoing crisis within the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). Speaking on a recent television appearance, Udenwa dismissed rumors of PDP members from the South-East defecting to the APC, emphasizing that the PDP remains the top choice for Nigerians amid its internal struggles.
Udenwa, a prominent PDP figure, made these remarks during an interview on Arise TV’s “The Morning Show” on Tuesday. He alleged that the APC is deliberately exploiting the PDP’s vulnerabilities by leveraging certain individuals within the party. “The issue of APC is ruled out. What is happening to us today in PDP, APC has a hand in it. And I don’t blame APC,” Udenwa stated. He further explained that the APC’s strategy involves manipulating the situation to their advantage, but he firmly asserted that the APC holds no appeal for the South-East caucus. “They are exploiting the situation we are having and using certain people within our fold. At the same time, APC can hardly be a destination for the South-East caucus.”
The former governor’s comments come amid escalating tensions within the PDP, particularly in the South-East region. Udenwa defended the caucus’s stance in a leadership dispute involving Senator Samuel Anyanwu, the party’s National Secretary. According to Udenwa, Anyanwu effectively stepped down from his position when he announced his candidacy for the Imo State governorship, creating a vacancy that the South-East zone is constitutionally obligated to fill.
Despite repeated efforts, Udenwa revealed that the South-East caucus has faced roadblocks in nominating a replacement. “We have done that about three times now. If our presentation is being turned down, it means nobody wants us to make a presentation again,” he said, expressing frustration over the rejections. This situation, he argued, underscores deeper issues within the party’s decision-making processes.
Udenwa was unwavering in his support for the South-East caucus’s authority, describing it as a well-established entity within the PDP. “We have made our position very clear. I don’t believe that whatever forces are behind Anyanwu are a stronger force than the South-East caucus because the South-East caucus is an established zone within the party,” he declared. He stressed that decisions made by the caucus are binding and should not be disregarded. “If that caucus takes a decision, that decision is binding. And our recommendation to the national cannot be thrown away,” the ex-governor added.
As the PDP grapples with these internal conflicts, Udenwa’s statements highlight the potential for regional divisions to impact the party’s national standing. His remarks serve as a call for unity and a warning against external interference, reinforcing his belief that the PDP can overcome its challenges and remain a viable option for Nigerian voters.
