The spokesperson for the Coalition of Opposition Lawmakers in the House of Representatives, known as the G60, has expressed disappointment over the silence of opposition governors and leaders, particularly those from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), regarding the ongoing crises in Rivers and Kano States.
In a statement, Ugochinyere highlighted his surprise that opposition governors have yet to visit and show support for their counterparts, Governor Similanayi Fubara of Rivers State and Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano State. He pointed out that since 2022, following his loss at the presidential primaries, the now Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has been fuelling crises within the party without facing any sanctions. Additionally, he mentioned the continuous efforts to undermine the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) in Kano State by certain politicians based in Abuja.
Ugochinyere called on the PDP, as the leading opposition party, to take decisive action and eliminate political sabotage by ensuring the emergence of steadfast leadership capable of uniting the opposition. He also disputed claims from some stakeholders that the FCT Minister should not be suspended due to his long-standing contributions to the party. According to Ugochinyere, Wike has effectively left the PDP through his actions during the elections and his acceptance of a ministerial position from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
He further claimed that the former governor, even before his recent fallout with his successor, Governor Fubara, sought to dominate both PDP and APC leadership in Rivers State by appointing his loyalists to the PDP caretaker committee.
Ugochinyere lamented the reluctance of some opposition governors, especially from the PDP, to visit Rivers and Kano States to show solidarity with Fubara and Yusuf, fearing reprimand from Wike and other pro-APC leaders. He urged the governors to step up and take appropriate actions as opposition leaders to restore the PDP’s and the opposition’s former glory.
“The worst thing that can happen to a developing country with economic challenges is a compromised opposition leadership. One year on, we still lack a party and opposition leadership capable of providing direction and motivation. Our party leadership and governors seem unwilling to engage in rebuilding the party or the opposition after a dismal performance, largely due to sabotage.
“Now, 60 percent of our party governors and leadership are behaving like novices because they are unable to confront certain agents hired by the ruling party to dismantle the PDP. Some are reportedly awaiting certificates of occupancy, hence their reluctance to act. It is alarming that while the opposition party base is under attack in Kano and Rivers, opposition governors are seen celebrating with the oppressors instead of expressing outrage and assembling to show solidarity through visits.
“They should learn from Tinubu, who led a single party, the Action Congress (AC), to spark a movement that revitalised the opposition, eventually forming an alliance that defeated the PDP. It is time to wake up,” he said.
