June 25 (THEWILL) — A faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), led by Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, has thrown its weight behind Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, following his recent criticism of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, accusing the former Rivers State governor of anti-party activities and political interference.
In a statement issued and signed on Thursday by its National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Ini Ememobong, the Turaki-led Interim National Working Committee (INWC) of the PDP commended Nwifuru for publicly condemning what it described as Wike’s political blackmail and attempts to fuel crises in states outside his official jurisdiction.
The faction said the governor had rightly cautioned the FCT minister against stoking political tension in Ebonyi State through misinformation, anti-party manoeuvres and what it termed the use of President Bola Tinubu’s name to advance personal political interests.
According to the statement, Nwifuru’s remarks echoed concerns held by many within the opposition party regarding Wike’s growing involvement in political affairs beyond the Federal Capital Territory and Rivers State, where he previously served as governor.
“The Governor, who recently publicly cautioned the Minister to refrain from stoking political crisis in Ebonyi State using political misinformation, the President’s name and anti-party gimmicks, reiterated the painful fact of Wike’s meddlesomeness in political affairs outside his official and geographic jurisdictions”, the statement read.
The faction further argued that Nwifuru’s criticism was supported by historical political developments in Ebonyi State, alleging that Wike played a role in the circumstances that led to the exit of former Governor David Umahi from the PDP.
“We are certain that Governor Nwifuru is conscious of the ignoble role Wike, then as the Governor of Rivers State, played in pushing his predecessor out of the PDP”, it added.
The faction also referenced previous allegations made by Umahi against Wike, claiming that the former Ebonyi governor had accused the FCT minister of accumulating and converting public wealth, allegations it said had not been refuted.
Reaffirming its status as an opposition platform, the Turaki-led PDP faction rejected suggestions of any alliance with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), insisting that the party remained committed to democratic principles and competitive politics.
“We reiterate that the Peoples Democratic Party, as an opposition party, is not and cannot be in an alliance with the ruling party. We are a principled political party and will continue to insist on best practices in political contests in a bid to help achieve democratic consolidation in our country”, the statement noted.
The faction also sought to clarify its position regarding the political situation in Ebonyi State, declaring that Eze Alexander remained the candidate of what it described as the “authentic and uncompromised PDP” and should be regarded as a genuine opposition candidate.
It called on Nigerians and political leaders across the country to support Governor Nwifuru and others willing to challenge what it described as attempts by Wike to destabilise political structures in their states.
“We urge the public to join the Governor of Ebonyi State and any other governors who are bold enough in condemning a wicked attempt by Wike to ‘put fire’ in their states”, it concluded.
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