The Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ibrahim Abdullahi, has drawn widespread criticism and is reportedly “in trouble” with the party hierarchy following remarks he made about former Enugu State Governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi.1
The Controversy:
- The Remarks: Abdullahi’s controversial statements were made during a recent appearance on national television, where he allegedly made comments deemed “reckless and disrespectful” towards the former governor.2 The most heavily criticized remark involved describing the two-term governor as someone “carrying a bag” for another politician, implying a diminished political stature.3
- Source of Condemnation: The criticism has been led by the Arewa PDP Unity Forum (APUF), which issued a strong statement condemning Abdullahi’s language as unbecoming of a senior party officer and detrimental to the PDP’s internal unity, especially ahead of the 2027 general elections.4
- Defense of Ugwuanyi: The APUF defended Ugwuanyi’s contributions, arguing that his quiet diplomacy and leadership were instrumental in helping the PDP retain a political foothold in Enugu and the South-East during the challenging 2023 elections, a time when the party suffered significant losses elsewhere.5 They stressed that a governor who delivered his state for the party should not be ridiculed.
- Call for Sanction: The Forum has formally urged the PDP National Working Committee (NWC) to caution its spokespersons against making statements that trivialize the sacrifices and stature of respected party elders, emphasizing that mutual respect is essential for maintaining party cohesion.6
The incident underscores the growing tension and infighting within the PDP as political actors begin to position themselves for the next electoral cycle.
