Arewa PDP Forum Berates Deputy Spokesperson Over Disrespectful Comments on Former Governor Ugwuanyi

The Arewa PDP Unity Forum (APUF) has strongly criticized the Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ibrahim Abdullahi, for making what the forum termed “reckless and disrespectful comments” against the former Governor of Enugu State, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi.

Dependable NG reports that in a statement issued on Friday and signed by its National President, Dr. Maikanti Adamu, the forum condemned Abdullahi’s remarks made during a national television appearance as unacceptable conduct for a senior party official. The group issued a warning that publicly ridiculing respected party leaders severely damages internal unity ahead of the 2027 general elections. Dr. Adamu stated that Abdullahi’s comments were both unfortunate and unnecessary. He added that describing a two-term governor who secured his state for the PDP in the last election as someone “carrying a bag” for anyone is an insult to Governor Ugwuanyi and to the collective history and legacy of the party.

The APUF pointed out that Governor Ugwuanyi’s political history in Enugu and his quiet diplomatic efforts during the 2023 elections were crucial in helping the PDP maintain its political relevance in the South-East region, particularly at a time when the party struggled elsewhere across the nation. Adamu declared that while many states slipped from PDP’s control, Enugu remained steadfast under Ugwuanyi’s leadership, suggesting that those who could not even hold their own local governments for the party should be the last to question his loyalty or stature. The Arewa PDP Unity Forum reminded the party hierarchy that top figures deserve respect regardless of their current political alignments, emphasizing that Abdullahi’s public statements projected arrogance and only served to deepen existing internal divisions within the party.

Dr. Adamu questioned the integrity of the party’s spokespersons, querying, “If we keep ridiculing our own, how do we expect the Nigerian people to take us seriously as a government-in-waiting?” The forum strongly urged the PDP National Working Committee to caution its spokespersons against making statements that trivialize the sacrifices of past leaders, stressing that mutual respect and discipline are essential for maintaining party cohesion. Adamu further noted that the PDP has endured for over two decades because of its ability to accommodate diverse voices, suggesting that the Deputy National Publicity Secretary should prioritize “strengthening structures that win elections, not attacking those who already have.” The APUF concluded by reaffirming its unwavering respect for all former governors, legislators, and party elders nationwide, describing them as living pillars of the PDP whose experience must not be discarded for the sake of media soundbites.