A prominent chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere, has issued a stark warning to the party’s National Working Committee (NWC), urging immediate action to rescue the party from what he describes as a fast-moving decline.
Speaking during a media briefing in Abuja, Ugochinyere painted a grim picture of the PDP’s current state, cautioning that the party risks losing its status as a viable national opposition if urgent reforms and reconciliatory steps are not taken. He accused the leadership of complacency and internal sabotage, calling on stakeholders to “wake up before it’s too late.”
“The PDP is sinking very fast,” Ugochinyere declared. “If urgent and sincere actions are not taken, we will find ourselves irrelevant in the political space. This is a danger we must avert collectively.”
The lawmaker, who represents Ideato North/Ideato South Federal Constituency of Imo State, decried the internal wrangling, factionalism, and leadership tussles that have plagued the party in recent times. According to him, the growing divisions are not only weakening the PDP internally but also eroding public confidence in its ability to provide credible opposition and alternative governance.
“The signs are clear for all to see,” Ugochinyere said. “We cannot pretend that all is well when in fact we are dealing with an unprecedented internal collapse. Our party is bleeding and if we don’t address the root causes now, the 2027 elections will be a disastrous outing.”
He particularly criticized the NWC for what he termed “a lack of proactive leadership” and “failure to mediate crises before they escalate.” Ugochinyere insisted that the NWC must immediately initiate an all-inclusive reconciliation process, engaging aggrieved members, former leaders, and other stakeholders to rebuild trust and unity.
“Our NWC must rise above personal interests and pettiness,” he stated. “This is not a time for selective justice or victimization. It is a time for healing. Every member, no matter their grievances, must be given a voice and a sense of belonging.”
Ugochinyere also proposed the setting up of an independent reconciliation and reform committee, comprising respected elder statesmen within and outside the party, to drive the healing process. He suggested that this committee should have the mandate to review the party’s constitution, streamline its operations, and recommend strategic reforms aimed at repositioning the PDP for future electoral battles.
“The old ways have failed us,” he continued. “We cannot continue to operate in an outdated, crisis-prone manner and expect a different result. Our survival depends on our willingness to evolve.”
Beyond internal restructuring, Ugochinyere stressed the importance of the PDP reclaiming its role as the leading voice on national issues. He expressed disappointment that the party has been largely silent on major national challenges such as insecurity, economic hardship, and the erosion of democratic principles.
“Our people are suffering,” he lamented. “The economy is biting hard, insecurity is worsening, yet the PDP’s voice is missing. We must reconnect with Nigerians by speaking boldly and offering practical solutions. That is the only way to regain the trust and support of the masses.”
The lawmaker’s comments have since stirred reactions within the party, with some agreeing with his assessment while others believe he was too critical of the current leadership. However, many acknowledge that the PDP has faced significant turmoil since the 2023 general elections, where internal disputes and last-minute defections contributed to underwhelming results at the national level.
Party insiders reveal that talks have already begun behind the scenes to address some of the issues raised by Ugochinyere and other concerned members. There are also indications that an expanded stakeholders’ meeting may be convened soon to chart a new course for the PDP.
Meanwhile, Ugochinyere has reiterated his commitment to the PDP, dismissing any notion of defection. He said his outcry stems from a place of love for the party and a desire to see it restored to its former glory.
“I am PDP and I will remain PDP,” he affirmed. “But loyalty does not mean silence in the face of failure. True loyalty is about speaking the truth to power so that we can correct our course and save the soul of our great party.”
As the PDP leadership digests Ugochinyere’s sobering message, many within and outside the party are watching closely to see whether real reforms will follow or if the warnings will be ignored — at the party’s peril.
