Rita Odafe
Segun Showunmi, a prominent member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), expressed that if Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the FCT, were actively engaged, he would have been able to resolve the party’s current issues.
Showunmi noted that Wike, a former governor of Rivers State, has become essential to the PDP.
During a Sunday interview with Arise News, Showunmi lamented the persistent crisis within the PDP, seeing no resolution in sight.
“Wike often faces criticism, and accusations arise regarding his influence. His absence has left a significant void in the party. I believe Wike represents a critical person whose presence and effectiveness can greatly influence the organization. I firmly conclude that Wike is a vital risk factor for the PDP.
“If Wike had been actively involved in the party, I am confident that he would have managed to find solutions through various means, whether it be persuading or negotiating. His absence raises the question of whether peace has truly returned to the party,” Showunmi remarked.
Ude-Okoye and Anyanwu Dispute
Showunmi criticized the party’s Board of Trustees (BoT) for failing to resolve the conflict between Sunday Ude-Okoye and Samuel Anyanwu, the national secretary.
He questioned the BoT’s failure to uphold their decisions made in Enugu during a subsequent meeting in Abuja.
“Interestingly, the BOT leadership met with South-Eastern leaders in Enugu and supported Okoye. However, at the Abuja meeting, they allowed Anyanwu, whom they opposed, to dominate the discussion. They witnessed Okoye being undermined but chose to remain silent. This shows a lack of resolve among the elders, resembling children who lack the strength to uphold their convictions, affecting the party’s stability,” he stated.
Showunmi assessed that the PDP is in critical condition, lacking introspection and instead playing the blame game.
He indicated that through commitment, the internal challenges of the party could be addressed effectively. The only positive aspect for party loyalists remains the stability at the grassroots levels, including ward, local council, state, and zonal levels.
He further elaborated, “PDP is in critical condition, blaming everyone except itself. We blame the President for taking Wike, yet don’t hold ourselves accountable for not appointing a capable leader to mend our problems. We often focus on external factors instead of our internal failings. Any merger should not threaten our party’s integrity,” he explained.
“I believe that all beginnings may come to an end. My hope is that by expressing these concerns, we can encourage a moment of reflection on the real issues at hand. Fortunately, the turmoil seems confined to top leadership. At the grassroots level, stability persists. Local chapters remain steady, and aside from minor issues in the southeast, most zones are functioning well, including the southwest and north-central areas without major concerns.
“Hence, the primary challenges lie within the National Working Committee. Focusing on the key players at the top could pave a way forward. If there is an acknowledgment that this cannot continue—especially after consecutive election losses while avoiding self-reflection—we may find a path to recovery.
“For those contemplating leaving the party due to dissatisfaction, I suggest sticking it out or simply departing to restore peace. Perhaps those who remain will realize their relationship to the party more clearly once the clutter of dissent is cleared away.
“We need fundamental change as the current strife reflects poorly on our national democracy. It diminishes interest among the youth and potential voters. This disarray is unbecoming for a political party with a long-standing democratic history; it should not be managed by inexperienced hands. If it isn’t working, it just isn’t working.”
