Dele Momodu, a former presidential aspirant, has criticized the current state of the PDP, calling its leadership crisis an embarrassment. In a recent interview with Channels Television FROM 0:13, Momodu pointed out that the internal strife, which has left the party in disarray, is largely fueled by individuals within the party who are undermining its opposition role.
Momodu echoed the sentiments of former Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose, who had earlier described the situation within the PDP as “totally embarrassing.” However, Momodu went further, directly blaming members of Fayose’s own faction, particularly those aligned with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and former Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, for exacerbating the chaos.
“He [Ayo Fayose] is right that it is embarrassing, but who are the people causing the embarrassment? They are members of his group led by the minister of FCT, former governor, Nyesom Wike; so if they say it is embarrassing, they know what to do,” Momodu remarked, suggesting that those responsible are fully aware of the damage they are causing to the party.
The PDP, which is supposed to be the main opposition to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), has found itself entangled in a web of internal suspensions and power struggles. One of the most recent controversies surrounds the suspension of Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum by a faction within the party. According to Momodu, the situation has become so absurd that members of the PDP appear to be working against their own party’s interests.
“I’ve never seen a situation where an opposition party will voluntarily, openly, shamelessly work for the ruling party,” Momodu lamented, criticizing certain PDP members who he believes are cooperating with the APC, thus diminishing the effectiveness of the party’s opposition role.
Momodu also raised concerns over Damagum’s reported comments about using the police to enforce his position within the party despite his suspension by a faction. “I just heard you now saying that Umar Damagum, the suspended Acting National Chairman, because a faction suspended him, says that he will use the police force. When did the PDP become a military wing in Nigeria where you’ll apply force on members of your own party?” he asked, decrying the use of force and the deepening division within the PDP.
The PDP’s leadership crisis, which has been festering for months, is threatening the party’s cohesion and credibility as a formidable opposition force. The involvement of key figures like Nyesom Wike, who now holds a significant position in the Federal Government, has further complicated the party’s internal dynamics, with many questioning the loyalty of some of its members.