Imo Lawmaker Ikenga Ugochinyere Dumps PDP Over Prolonged Internal Crisis

The lawmaker representing Ideato Federal Constituency at the National Assembly, Ikenga Ugochinyere, has announced his decision to leave the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), citing a prolonged internal crisis within the party.

Ugochinyere made the disclosure while addressing his constituents who paid him a Christmas solidarity visit at his residence in Akokwa, Ideato North Local Government Area of Imo State.

According to the lawmaker, the crisis in the PDP has been fuelled by a few individuals who act as though the party is their personal enterprise and must always have their way.

He said the damage done to the PDP by internal squabbles since the 2023 general elections had gone beyond redemption, adding that continued association with the party would amount to self-denial.

“I have done my best to keep the party standing, but I later realised that some people are bent on destroying it. The best option for me now is to leave,” he said.

Ugochinyere alleged that the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and his allies were on a mission to destroy the PDP, accusing them of forcefully installing Umar Damagum and Samuel Anyanwu into the party’s national leadership in violation of established procedures.

He disclosed that he would, in due course, announce the new political party he intends to join, noting that he is currently consulting widely with prominent politicians and groups across the country on the way forward.

The lawmaker urged his supporters to remain steadfast as events unfold.

Speaking on his legislative mandate, Ugochinyere reassured his constituents of continued effective representation, promising that every community in Ideato Nation would benefit from his interventions.

He said no community would be left behind, adding that several projects were ongoing across the constituency.

According to him, projects would only be commissioned after completion and adequate use by the people to ascertain their durability.

“That’s how it’s supposed to be done. The people themselves are the ones who should confirm any project done on their behalf before commissioning,” he said.

On Imo politics, Ugochinyere described as “infantile” alleged attempts by the state government to prevent him from meeting with his constituents.

He claimed that venues meant to host his supporters in Ideato South were sealed off by the government, forcing the gathering to be held at a private residence.

“It’s unfortunate that the government sealed off the venues where my people planned to receive me. But because of the love they have for me, the event still held,” he said.

The lawmaker accused the state government of attempting to heat up the polity prematurely, alleging that it was jittery over his growing popularity.

He further called on the Federal Government, the Inspector-General of Police, the National Security Adviser and other security chiefs to closely monitor developments in Imo State and caution the state government to avoid actions that could escalate insecurity.