• 27 Apr, 2025
• FAITH MIMDOO KEGH
• No comment

Atiku Criticizes PDP Leaders Amid Delta Defections

Following the defection of key figures from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), including Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar addressed the ongoing internal crisis within his party.

Atiku defended political realignments as part of democratic practice, stating that defection and coalition-building are common in politics. In a statement on social media, he accused some PDP leaders of hypocrisy—labeling their own meetings with President Tinubu as strategy while criticizing his own visits to political figures like Peter Obi, Nasir el-Rufai, and Muhammadu Buhari.

He emphasized the right to political association and warned that the real issue isn’t party affiliations but the state of governance under the Tinubu administration, which he criticized for economic failure, rising inflation, and national insecurity.

Meanwhile, the PDP is in disarray over conflicting claims to the role of National Secretary. Within 24 hours, two memos emerged—one naming Architect Setonji Koshoedo as Acting Secretary and another reinstating Senator Samuel Anyanwu. The confusion stems from internal power struggles and resistance to Nyesom Wike’s influence in the party.

Critics on social media challenged Atiku’s leadership and the ideological consistency of his campaign, with many calling for him to step aside for a younger, more focused leadership.

Former Deputy National Chairman of the PDP, Bode George, condemned Atiku’s alliance with Buhari, describing it as a betrayal of party loyalty.

The APC, on the other hand, welcomed the wave of defectors. Party spokesman Felix Morka assured new members, including prominent figures from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), that they would be fully integrated into the APC’s structure. In Delta, local APC officials have started formal registration of the newcomers, including Governor Oborevwori’s team, and hinted at a possible cabinet reshuffle to make room for core APC members.

Some PDP loyalists expressed shock at the sudden defection, claiming they weren’t consulted. They questioned the legality of the mass exit and warned the APC about accepting politicians who may retain divided loyalties. Others argued that these defections were driven by personal political deals that could leave their followers sidelined.

Philip Shaibu, former Edo deputy governor, claimed the mass defections validated his earlier warnings about PDP’s collapse due to poor internal democracy. He praised Oborevwori’s decision as bold and timely.

The party’s leadership crisis escalated when, within two days, two different individuals were officially recognized as the PDP’s National Secretary due to conflicting internal directives. Although governors in the PDP supported Koshoedo’s appointment, Anyanwu disputed it, citing his election to a four-year term at a national convention.

Despite a recent Supreme Court ruling aimed at resolving internal party leadership issues, factions within the PDP continue to interpret the judgment in ways that fuel further division.

      Key Points:
– Atiku defends political realignments and calls out double standards within PDP.
– Major Delta PDP leaders defect to APC, prompting internal discontent.
– PDP faces leadership confusion with two individuals claiming to be National Secretary.
– APC welcomes defectors and prepares for broader integration.
– Critics question Atiku’s leadership and call for a generational change within the PDP.
– Philip Shaibu sees the defections as proof of PDP’s internal dysfunction.

FAITH MIMDOO KEGH

Manager – Oversees the daily operations, editorial planning, and strategic direction of the platform. A graduate with a solid academic foundation in media and communication, Faith brings a wealth of experience to the TokinPoint.

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