Dele Momodu Blames Fayose Group for PDP Embarrassments
By Wisdom Tide
October 14, 2024
Dele Momodu, a former presidential aspirant and prominent figure in Nigerian politics, has openly criticized the ongoing leadership crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). In a recent interview on Channels Television, Momodu described the situation as embarrassing, attributing the party's internal turmoil to members of a faction led by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and former Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike.
Internal Strife within PDP
The PDP has been plagued by internal conflicts and leadership struggles that have left the party in disarray. These divisions have significantly weakened its ability to serve as an effective opposition to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Momodu, aligning with former Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose’s earlier comments, acknowledged the embarrassing state of the party but took it a step further by directly pointing to the members of Fayose’s faction as key contributors to the problem.
Wike’s Faction at the Center of the Crisis
Momodu specifically identified Nyesom Wike, now a key figure in the Federal Government, as a leading force behind the party’s troubles. “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," Momodu asserted. He suggested that the individuals responsible are fully aware of their actions and the damage they are causing to the party’s unity.
Leadership Struggles Deepen
The ongoing suspension of key party figures, including the Acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, has further intensified the crisis. A faction within the PDP suspended Damagum, escalating tensions and highlighting the deep divisions within the party. Momodu expressed disbelief at the current state of affairs, remarking, “I’ve never seen a situation where an opposition party will voluntarily, openly, shamelessly work for the ruling party.”
Allegations of Collusion with the APC
Momodu’s comments also raised concerns about certain PDP members allegedly colluding with the APC. He accused some within the party of undermining its opposition role by collaborating with the ruling party, thereby weakening the PDP’s credibility as an alternative to the APC. This, he argued, has led to the PDP’s diminishing political influence and has left the party struggling to present a united front.
Concerns over the Use of Force in Internal Party Affairs
The deepening divisions within the PDP have led to increasingly drastic measures, with Momodu criticizing the reported use of force to maintain control within the party. He expressed alarm at reports that Damagum had threatened to use the police to enforce his leadership, despite his suspension by a faction. “When did the PDP become a military wing in Nigeria where you’ll apply force on members of your own party?” Momodu asked, questioning the legitimacy and ethics of such actions.
Wike's Influence Complicates Party Dynamics
The involvement of Nyesom Wike, who holds a significant position in the Federal Government, has further complicated the PDP's internal struggles. Wike’s dual role as a Federal Government official and a prominent figure in the PDP has led to questions about his loyalty and the impact of his actions on the party’s unity. Many within the PDP are increasingly concerned that Wike’s influence is exacerbating the divisions within the party, making it harder for the PDP to effectively challenge the APC in future elections.
Conclusion
The ongoing crisis within the PDP, fueled by internal power struggles and factionalism, poses a serious threat to the party’s cohesion and ability to function as a formidable opposition. With key figures like Nyesom Wike playing a central role in the turmoil, the party’s future remains uncertain. As Dele Momodu highlighted, the individuals responsible for the current state of affairs are aware of the damage they are causing, but whether they will take action to resolve the crisis remains to be seen.
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