Imo lawmaker representing Ideato Federal Constituency at the National Assembly, Ikenga Ugochinyere, has dumped the Peoples Democratic Party following what he described as a long-standing squabble within the party’s ranks.
Ugochinyere hinted that the crisis had been caused by certain individuals who act as if the party is their personal enterprise and must have their way at all costs.
The lawmaker disclosed this while addressing his constituents, who paid him a Christmas solidarity visit at his residence in Akokwa, Ideato North Local Government Area.
He said that the damage done to the PDP by a few individuals since the 2023 general elections had gone beyond redemption, and to continue identifying with the party is to live in self-denial.
Ugochinyere explained that he has tried his best to ensure the party stands, but later discovered that there are those who are primarily out to destroy it, and the best option for him is to leave.
He accused the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and his cohorts of being on a mission to destroy the party, which they have succeeded in doing by forcefully installing Damagun and Samuel Anyanwu in the national leadership, in total disregard of the party’s laid-down procedures.
Ugochinyere hinted that he will publicly announce the new party he will join in due course, adding that he is currently consulting widely with other prominent politicians and groups across the federation on the way forward.
He enjoined his supporters to remain steadfast as the development unfolds.
Regarding his legislative mandate to his people, Ugochinyere reassured his constituents of continued effective representation, maintaining that every community in Ideato Nation will feel the positive impact of his legislation.
He reiterated that no community in his constituency will be left behind, as a series of projects are ongoing across the communities.
The lawmaker added that the commissioning of projects will not be done in a hurry, but only upon their final completion.
He said that people will first be allowed to use the projects to confirm whether they will stand the test of time before commissioning.
“That’s how it’s supposed to be done. The people themselves are the ones who are supposed to confirm any project done on their behalf before commissioning,” he said.
On Imo politics, Ugochinyere described it as infantile for the state government to try to prevent him from meeting with his people, who elected him to serve them.
He pointed out that blocking venues where his people planned to receive him is a childish act, saying that such action will not reduce the love his people have for him.
“It’s very unfortunate that the government sealed off the venues where my people from Ideato South planned to receive me.
“The first venue was denied to us with the excuse that the land is in dispute; the second venue, with the reason that the government has banned holding events on government premises, all in an attempt to stop my people from meeting with me.
“But because of the love my people have for me, the event was held at the residence of an individual. We are even ready to hold meetings in the streets. They are pushing us to the wall, but we will not play into their hands, till the time comes,” he said.
He wondered why the state government is attempting to heat up politics when it is not yet time, asserting that it is jittery because of his rising popularity among his rivals.
The lawmaker recalled that what happened in the last election is trying to play out again because some people believe that violence is the best option.
“We will again beat them at their own game. This is not the first time. They are the aggressors, we are the victims, but we will always achieve victory.
“I call on the Federal Government, the Inspector General of Police, the National Security Adviser and other security heads to pay close attention in Imo and call the state government to order to avoid escalating the security situation in the state,” he said.
