PDP Accuses Uzodinma of Undermining Democracy in Imo

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Imo State has accused the administration of Governor Hope Uzodinma of undermining the rule of law and democratic principles, including the separation of powers, as Nigeria marks its 27th Democracy Day celebration.

The opposition party also alleged that the governor’s style of governance has eroded public confidence in government and weakened democratic institutions in the state.

In a statement issued on Thursday by its spokesperson, Lancelot Obiaku, the PDP said the separation of powers and adherence to the rule of law remain fundamental pillars of democracy.

According to the party, Uzodinma’s administration has failed to demonstrate a commitment to democratic governance, citing what it described as arbitrary use of power, lack of accountability in the management of public resources, disregard for the rule of law, corruption and worsening insecurity over the past six years.

The party argued that such developments have diminished public confidence in democracy and failed to inspire hope among Imo residents despite the Democracy Day celebrations.

“The administration is undermining the roles of the Legislature and the Judiciary, stifling the local government system by keeping it in subjugation, depriving it of resources, and effectively running a government where the Executive operates suo motu without recourse to the other arms of government,” the statement said.

The PDP further alleged that the governor’s style of administration runs contrary to democratic principles and has hindered development in the state.

The party claimed that nearly N700 billion in local government allocations received during the current administration had not translated into visible development in critical sectors such as rural infrastructure, commerce, education, pensions, gratuities and workers’ welfare.

“We have seen nearly N700 billion in LGA allocations since the inception of the present regime go down the drain, with nothing to show for it. Our local government areas do not receive up to 10 percent of their allocations. How then would development get to the grassroots with the greed exhibited by the state government?” the party alleged.

The PDP also accused the governor of refusing to conduct democratic local government elections and instead appointing sole administrators, a move it said had deprived residents of grassroots governance and democratic dividends.

The opposition party further criticised the handling of the state’s judiciary, alleging that Imo operated without a substantive Chief Judge for nearly one year following the vacancy that arose on November 16, 2024.

According to the PDP, the governor failed to follow constitutional procedures by seeking a recommendation from the National Judicial Council (NJC) for the appointment of the most senior judicial officer as Chief Judge.

The party alleged that Uzodinma instead appointed and swore in Justice Theophilus Nnamdi Nzeukwu as Acting Chief Judge, a decision it said was later declared void by the NJC.

The PDP argued that the prolonged absence of a Chief Judge negatively affected judicial administration in the state, including the assignment of cases and other statutory responsibilities reserved for the office.

The party also accused the government of lacking transparency in contract awards, alleging that contracts are neither publicly advertised nor subjected to scrutiny by the State House of Assembly.

It further alleged that the Public Procurement Bureau had been shut down, while details of government contracts remained hidden from the public.

Citing the World Bank–Umuguma and Nekede–Iheanwa road projects in Owerri, the PDP claimed that the roads had been re-awarded despite previous contracts worth billions of naira being awarded for the same projects in 2020 and 2023 without significant progress.

The party described the development as evidence of alleged financial mismanagement and lack of accountability.

Despite its criticisms, the PDP congratulated Imo residents and Nigerians on the occasion of Democracy Day and urged citizens to remain committed to democratic governance.

The party expressed optimism that the future remains bright and called on the people to continue supporting efforts aimed at strengthening democracy in the country.