Imo Lawmaker Ikenga Ugochinyere Announces Exit from PDP, Cites Irreparable Damage and Internal Sabotage
Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere, the member representing Ideato North/South Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, has declared his departure from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), describing the party's internal crisis as "beyond redemption" due to actions by certain individuals.
Speaking on Saturday during a Christmas solidarity visit by constituents at his residence in Akokwa, Ideato North Local Government Area, Ugochinyere blamed a prolonged leadership squabble on figures who treat the PDP as a "personal enterprise." He stated that remaining in the party would amount to "self-denial" given the damage inflicted since the 2023 general elections.
Despite his efforts to stabilise the PDP, Ugochinyere said he discovered elements intent on destroying it from within. He specifically accused Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike and his allies of orchestrating the party's downfall by imposing Acting National Chairman Iliya Damagum and National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu in violation of party rules.
"I have tried my best, but there are those primarily out to destroy the party. The best option is to leave," he told the gathering.
The lawmaker said he is holding wide consultations with politicians and groups nationwide and will soon announce his new political platform. He urged supporters to stay patient amid the transition.
On his legislative duties, Ugochinyere pledged uninterrupted representation, assuring that ongoing projects across Ideato communities will benefit all areas equally. He emphasised that commissions would only occur after residents confirm the projects' durability, stating: "The people themselves should verify any project done on their behalf before commissioning."
Turning to local politics, Ugochinyere criticised the Imo State government for allegedly blocking venues intended for his meetings with constituents, calling the actions "infantile" and "childish." He cited instances where venues in Ideato South were sealed under pretexts like land disputes or bans on events at government facilities, forcing gatherings to private homes.
"Such actions won't diminish the love my people have for me. We are ready to hold meetings even in the streets if pushed," he said, attributing the moves to nervousness over his growing popularity.
Warning of repeating patterns from past elections involving alleged violence, Ugochinyere declared: "We will beat them at their own game again." He called on the Federal Government, Inspector General of Police, National Security Adviser, and security agencies to intervene and restrain the state government to prevent escalation of tensions in Imo.
Ugochinyere's announcement comes amid ongoing turmoil in the PDP, marking another high-profile exit as the opposition party grapples with factional disputes.
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