Political activist Udenta Udenta has accused President Bola Tinubu and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of a coordinated effort to destabilize the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). He specifically pointed to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, as a tool in this alleged strategy.
Udenta stated that Wike’s political actions within the PDP are not independent. Instead, he claimed they are part of a larger plan orchestrated by the Presidency.
According to Udenta, the PDP’s current crisis is no longer an internal affair. He described it as “externally engineered.” He insisted that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is intentionally working to weaken the opposition party.
He acknowledged that the PDP, like any large political body, faces typical internal disagreements. However, he argued that outside interference has severely worsened the party’s current crisis.
Udenta stated clearly, “Wike is not an autonomous administrative or political force; he is a dependent force.” He elaborated on this dependency.
“Wike went to Wadata Plaza on behalf of the President,” Udenta claimed. “The President was at Wadata Plaza, not Wike. Therefore, if Wike holds a press briefing, it is truly the President speaking.”
He lamented the alleged efforts to undermine the opposition. “As we struggle to rebuild the party and grow the brand,” Udenta said, “the Presidency and the APC are working to diminish the party.”
INEC’s Role in PDP Leadership Tussle Questioned
Udenta further extended his accusations to INEC. He criticized the commission for what he called “ambiguity and selective action” concerning the PDP’s leadership disputes. He alleged that INEC chose which court orders to obey. According to him, the commission only followed directives that aligned with its favored outcomes.
He cited specific instances, stating, “INEC has a mandate to be clear and unequivocal. In Ekiti, INEC’s actions showed it did not accept Abdurrahman as acting chairman. However, it later accepted Damagun. Did INEC accept the suspension of four NWC members? INEC has not spoken on this.”
Police Accused of Enabling Secretariat Takeover
Udenta also leveled criticism against the police force. He faulted them for enabling what he termed the “factional takeover” of the PDP Secretariat. This, he suggested, contributed to the ongoing internal strife.
Udenta stated that the police allowed the Anyanwu faction access to the secretariat in the early morning. This occurred despite prior complaints from the son of Tanimu Turaki SAN, the new PDP chairman.
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