In a recent interview shared by Arise News, the Zonal Legal Adviser of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) South-East, Ukpai Ukairo, offered a firm defence of the faction aligned with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, amid the escalating leadership crisis within the party. The PDP, already grappling with a series of expulsions and counter-expulsions, continues to face internal turbulence as rival blocs claim legitimacy over the party’s national leadership structure.
Ukairo argued that much of the tension stems from what he described as attempts by certain actors to undermine the party’s constitutional order. He maintained that the national officers elected in 2021 remain the only legally recognized leadership until the expiration of their tenure. According to him, any effort to forcefully take over the party’s national secretariat before the stipulated date contradicts established procedures and fuels deeper instability.
The legal adviser insisted that the faction loyal to Wike has been unfairly portrayed as the aggressor in the crisis. He stressed that the group’s interventions are aimed at restoring respect for due process and strengthening the party’s democratic foundation. Ukairo stated that the actions of the Wike camp reflect a commitment to safeguarding the PDP’s relevance at a time when internal cohesion is urgently needed.
“Those who are fighting to preserve the PDP are the Wike’s camp, who want the party to remain alive.” he said, emphasizing that the ultimate goal of the faction is to ensure the survival and integrity of the opposition party as Nigeria moves toward future electoral contests. Read Original