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  • Pro-Wike PDP faction dissolves Wabara-led BoT

    Pro-Wike PDP faction dissolves Wabara-led BoT

    The faction loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, (FCT) Nyesom Wike, on Friday dissolved the Board of Trustees (BoT) led by former Senate President Senator Adolphus Wabara, citing loss of credibility and moral authority.

    The move followed the inauguration of a new Board of Trustees by the factional Acting National Chairman, Alhaji Abdulrahman Muhammad, at a meeting hosted by Wike at his Life Camp official residence in Abuja.

    In his address shortly before the meeting went into a closed door, Muhammad said the exercise was part of efforts to restore discipline, constitutional order and moral direction within the party, which, he lamented, had been eroded under the previous leadership.

    He accused the dissolved Wabara-led BoT of losing “the moral balance expected of that noble institution”, noting that Wabara’s suspension by the Abia State Chapter of the party for alleged anti-party activities rendered his continued leadership “untenable”.

    “The Board that was meant to be the moral compass of our party became divided and ineffective. The credibility of that leadership was heavily questioned, and its continued role in national advisory matters became impossible to sustain,” he said.

    Muhammad also blamed the tenure of the ‘suspended’ National Chairman, Ambassador Umar Damagum, for what he described as the party’s moral decline and disregard for judicial authority.

    He accused Damagum of protecting individuals who violated the party’s constitution, choosing “convenience over the rule of law”.

    “When any political party begins to disregard its own constitution and laws, it loses the very soul that holds it together. This was the painful reality we faced,” he declared.

    The Acting Chairman hailed the intervention of three concerned party members who sought judicial redress to “save the PDP from itself”, saying their action led to the recent Federal High Court judgement that paved the way for the reconstitution of the BoT.

    “The court judgement was not an attack on the PDP; it was a reminder that no institution is greater than the law,” Muhammad noted, describing the decision as “a wake-up call to return to our roots and reawaken the values that once made the PDP the pride of Africa.”

    He said the newly inaugurated BoT would serve as a “symbol of rebirth” and the “conscience and compass” of the PDP, adding that its members were chosen to uphold integrity and fairness rather than loyalty or factional interest.

    “This is not a reward for loyalty; it is a sacred trust. Your voices must be voices of unity, your advice rooted in fairness, and your actions must inspire confidence in our collective future,” he stated.

    The PDP chairman admitted that the party’s internal decay began when it jettisoned its zoning principle before the 2015 elections, allowing personal ambition to override equity. He said the new leadership was determined to rebuild the PDP on the foundations of transparency, justice, and adherence to court judgements.

    He said: “We will rebuild this party with transparency. We will respect court judgements and the rule of law. We will conduct our congresses with fairness and integrity. We will restore public trust and make the PDP once again the moral voice of Nigeria’s democracy”.

    Muhammad warned that the party would no longer hide under the excuse of “internal affairs” to justify impunity, insisting that party autonomy must operate within constitutional limits.

    “Internal affairs must still operate under constitutional order. Party autonomy cannot mean lawlessness. We must reform or risk irrelevance,” he stated.

    He also called for unity and reform, declaring, “Let history record that when the PDP stood at the edge of the precipice, men and women of goodwill rose to pull it back. Together, we can heal our party and restore the PDP as the true hope of Nigeria’s democratic future.”

    He said the party will always seek peace and growth of the PDP.

  • National secretary position: Mbah, Wabara, Udenwa, others back southeast PDP’s exit threat

    National secretary position: Mbah, Wabara, Udenwa, others back southeast PDP’s exit threat

    Key leaders of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the Southeast have backed the zone’s threat to reconsider its relationship with the party if its choice of Hon. Sunday Udeh-Okoye as the National Secretary is not respected for the umpteenth time.

    While Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu state, who is the leader of the PDP in the zone, said it was time for the zone to speak with one voice, the chairman of PDP Board of Trustees, Senator Adolphus Wabara, and former governor of Imo State, Chief Achike Udenwa, expressed fury over what they described as the party’s disrespecting and trampling of the region.

    The zonal caucus had vented its displeasure in a communique read by the Zonal Chairman, Chief Ali Odefa, at the end of a meeting by the Southeast Zonal Executive (ZEC) at the Government House, Enugu.

    It said the meeting was convened to nominate a candidate to complete the remaining term of the position of National Secretary in line with the directive of the party’s National Working Committee, NWC, during its 600th meeting in Abuja.

    According to Wabara, it was to review the region’s relationship with the party that he described as trampling on the zone by the party persisting.

    “We have been trampled upon, not taken seriously. If such a position were vacant in the South-South, it would not be like this. And now, it has come to us. I mean, the usual thing is to play politics with the Igbo man. Yes, we may have to reconsider our stand as far as the party is concerned. But I trust the NWC,” he stated.

    Udenwa, on his part, said, “We are expecting that this issue will be finally ironed out once and for all. We do not want to be taken for granted by anybody again.”

    Rendering the communique, Odefa said, “The South East ZEC exhaustively deliberated on the directive of the NWC and came to the conclusion that it offered a sure pathway to peace, unity, stability, and progress of our party. Consequently, the ZEC unanimously recommended Hon. Sunday Udeh-Okoye as the candidate to complete the term of office of the National Secretary.”

    The South East PDP, however, regretted that it had to go through the process of nominating Udeh-Okoye severally since October 2023, and urged the NWC to not only immediately ratify his nomination, but also ensure that Arch. Setonji Koshoedo effectively occupies the Office of the National Secretary in acting capacity pending Udeh-Okoye’s ratification by the NEC.

    The South East PDP, however, threatened to review its continued membership of the party should its position suffer further delay despite its agelong loyalty to the PDP.

    “The South East has consistently served as a stronghold of the PDP from inception. In PDP’s nearly three-decade existence, we have given our loyalty and all to the party.

    “Currently, while the party has been losing key members post-2023 general elections, the South East PDP is at the vanguard of strengthening the Party by rallying major opposition figures such as in Enugu where the Labour Party, LP, gubernatorial candidate, two LP House of Representatives Members, numerous members of the House of Assembly, among other stalwarts into the PDP fold.

    “Therefore, we hope that this time around, the position of the South East PDP regarding the Office of the National Secretary is accorded the honour and immediacy it deserves. This would bring closure to the needless lingering dispute over the matter.

    “However, if our position is not promptly implemented by the Party, the South East PDP, as a family, will be compelled to reconsider our relationship with the PDP going forward,” the communique concluded.

  • PDP will survive defections, bounce back in 2027 — BoT chairman Wabara

    PDP will survive defections, bounce back in 2027 — BoT chairman Wabara

    Chairman of the Board of Trustees (BoT) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Adolphus Wabara, has declared that the party will withstand its current wave of defections and remain a strong political force.

    Speaking on Monday at the PDP national headquarters in Abuja while swearing in 39 new BoT members, Wabara affirmed that the PDP is not on the brink of collapse, despite internal challenges.

    “The PDP shall not die, it has come to stay,” he said.

    According to him, 23 of the new members were nominated by their respective states, while 16 others were selected to represent the party’s zonal interests.

    Wabara, a former Senate President, noted that the large turnout of party stakeholders at the event is evidence that the PDP remains vibrant.

    He expressed optimism that the party will regain its strength and make a significant comeback ahead of the 2027 general elections.

    “Today’s event shows that all the speculations about movement and defection, we don’t have it in the BoT.  When the board is alive, PDP is alive. I am so overwhelmed and very happy that PDP shall rise again.”

    The highly elated BoT Chairman further said, “I am overwhelmed, and I’m sure that my colleagues and friends here present are equally overwhelmed to see and witness that we still have this retinue of quality Nigerians in this great party, which speaks volumes.

    “The Board of Trustees has always contended that the PDP shall not die. This is manifesting itself now. The God of PDP never sleeps and will never sleep.”

    Admonishing the new members, Wabara told them that their role is not only to guide and support the leadership of the party, but also to act as a stabilizing force in times of challenges and uncertainties.

    “Today, we are welcoming a distinguished group of individuals whose dedication, experience, and unwavering loyalty to the PDP have earned them a place on this prestigious board. Your appointment to the board of trustees is a call to service, a call to uphold the integrity, unity, and vision of our party as we continue to strive for a more prosperous and democratic Nigeria.

    “As custodians of the party’s conscience, the BOT plays a critical role in providing wise counsel, fostering stability, and ensuring that our decisions align with the core objectives of the PDP.

    He further urged the new members to remember that their presence on the board is not just a position of honour, but a position of responsibility.

    “It is a call to serve with integrity, transparency, and an unwavering dedication to the collective good of our party and our nation. Let us continue to work together to uphold the vision of our founding fathers and to build a stronger, more inclusive, and more progressive PDP.”

    Earlier the acting national chairman, Amb. Umar Iliya Damagum, called for the continued support of the board members, as the National Working Committee (NWC) strives to redirect the affairs of the party to greatness again.

    Represented by the Acting National Secretary, Arch.  Setonji Koshoedo, the Chairman, noted that as the conscience of the party, the party constitution gives great responsibilities to the board and assured them that the NWC would accord them all the needed support, while he requested for commensurate response from the board to the party’s highest administrative organ.

    “The Board of Trustees is the conscience of the party, and the Constitution entrusts it with the great responsibility of guiding the PDP, not just as Nigeria’s leading party but as a beacon for Africa. We in the NWC are here as your chief servants, ready to rely on your advice and guidance. We assure you of our full support in ensuring the smooth running of the party,” Damagum assured.

    Read Also: Why PDP BoT chair Wabara should be expelled, by Deputy Youth Leader

    Addressing newsmen after the ceremony, the party’s former National Vice Chairman (South West), Hon. Eddy Olafeso, who is also one of the newly inaugurated members, expressed optimism that the party would bounce back in 2027.

    Asked if not concerned that the party was drifting with the rate of defection, Olafeso said, “This too shall pass, and you can see that it’s passing here. You are a living witness to all the governors whom we had issues returning to be members of the BOT. It speaks volumes. That’s the sign of the moment. We are going to return to greater heights. You can trust us.”

    Some of the new members include the former governor of Niger State, Dr. Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu, former governor of Benue, Samuel Ortom, former Enugu State Governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, former Kano State governor, Sen. Ibrahim Shekarau, former Minister of Information, Hon. Labaran Maku and former Edo State Governor, Lucky Igbinedon.

    Others are former Taraba State Governor, Arch. Darius Ishaku, Senator Zaynab Kure, Chief (Mrs.) Onikepo Oshodi and Alhaja Mutiatu Ladoja

  • External forces threatening PDP’s unity, Wabara, Damagum warn

    External forces threatening PDP’s unity, Wabara, Damagum warn

    The Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Board of Trustees, Senator Adolphus Wabara, and the party’s acting national chairman of the party, Ambassador Umar Ilyas Damagum, have raised concerns over external forces attempting to manipulate the party’s leadership, warning that such interference threatens its unity, focus, and direction. 

    Speaking at a PDP Board of Trustees meeting at the party’s national secretariat on Thursday—just before tensions escalated—they expressed deep concern over the party’s current state.

    They emphasised the need for stability and affirmed that the PDP National Executive Council (NEC), the party’s highest decision-making body, should convene in February to address pressing issues.

    Wabara said: “This meeting comes at a time when the unity, focus direction and ideals of our great Party are being tested in ways that call for reflection and decisive action.

    “Primarily, let me express my profound disappointment over the crises currently rocking the leadership of the National Working Committee (NWC); as elder statesmen and women, leaders who hold the trust of the generality of our party members and the public, it is disheartening that these issues have not been resolved.

    “The failure to resolve these internal conflicts undermines the strength and credibility of our party; it is therefore imperative that the NWC rises above personal interests and places the survival and progress of our great party above all other considerations.

    “In the light of these challenges, I must emphasize the urgent need for a National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting; I again urge the NWC to honour its words and convene the NEC meeting as scheduled in February 2025.

    “It is pertinent to stress that party members across the country are in earnest expectation that the NEC meeting will be held this February,” Wabara stated, adding that PDP remains the only hope for Nigerians.

    In his speech, Damagum lamented that some highly influential personalities whom partymen look up to as leaders are tormenting crises within the party leadership, with various mischief that include inviting members of the PDP National Working Committee to secret meetings without informing him.

    “I want to say this with the highest sense of responsibility, part of this crisis that you see today within the NWC, is propelled by our leaders who are supposed to unite us; it is very unfortunate and I would say it the way it is.

    “I’ll be sitting down as the chairman only to see or hear about my members in PDP NWC being called by certain leaders to visit certain places, for secret meetings without my knowledge; each one of you, if you are the chairman, will find this difficult and I want to use this opportunity to caution us, caution our leaders.

    “You may have ambition, but you don’t ride on a dead horse to reach your destination: if you create crisis simply to further your ambition, you may get what you want, but your dream will not be realized, because by that time, you have injured the horse you are going to ride to that destination,” Damagum said.

    Pointing out that the PDP has successfully concluded state congresses in about 29 states, Damagum expressed concerns that the unnamed leaders could try to infuse some m8schief into the Zonal party congresses being planned by the PDP.

    “Even at that, I enjoin our leaders to also be mindful of doing anything that can mar these congresses; It’s very important to sound this note because whatever we do, it is the structure you are building to hold what you have at your hand,” he added.

    Read Also: Why Damagum should continue in office till Dec., by NWC members 

    Speaking further, Damagum acknowledged that some of them are complicit part of the party’s problems, adding that arrangements will be made towards convening the PDP NEC meeting in February.

    “As the conscience of this party, some of us are also complicit; we should look inwards, search our conscience.

    “This party is dear to all of us, it is the only thing we have, the hope of Nigerians today is on this party, so we should sheath our swords, and work towards uniting ourselves so that we’ll have a credible vehicle that can challenge what is bedeviling us.

    “At the last meeting we had with the governor, we all agreed we’ll have an NEC meeting; I want to assure you that we’ll do everything possible to have this NEC meeting this February,” Damagum pledged.

    PDP leaders at the BoT meeting on Thursday include former PDP Caretaker Chairman and Secretary of BoT, Senator Ahmed Makarfi, Hajia Inna Ciroma, Senator Ben Obi, Chairman of PDP Reconciliation Committee, Col Olagunsoye Oyinlola (rtd), former Niger state governor, Alhaji Babangida Aliyu while those who sent apologies for their absence included Senator David Mark, Chairman of PDP Governors’ Forum, Gov Bala Mohammed, ex-governor of Gombe state, Alhaji Dankwamb9 and Professor Jerry Gana.

  • PDP’s internal crisis ‘self-inflicted’, says BoT chairman Wabara

    PDP’s internal crisis ‘self-inflicted’, says BoT chairman Wabara

    The Chairman of the Board of Trustees (BoT) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has attributed the ongoing crisis within the party—once hailed as Africa’s largest political force—to “self-inflicted” issues undermining its stability.

    Speaking at an emergency meeting, Wabara criticised delays in convening the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, warning it could erode members’ confidence. 

    He outlined plans to engage FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, in January 2025, for renewed dialogue, reaffirming the BoT’s commitment to restoring unity and stability within the party.

    Speaking at an emergency meeting on Thursday, Wabara highlighted delays in convening the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, warning of eroding confidence among members.  

    Wabara revealed plans to engage FCT Minister Nyesom Wike in January 2025 for renewed dialogue. He reaffirmed the BoT’s commitment to pursuing peace and unity within the PDP.

    “It is with a deep sense of disappointment that I must express the Board’s dismay at the continued shifting by the National Working Committee in convening a National Executive Committee meeting; this delay undermines the trust and confidence of our members,” Wabara lamented.

    Emphasizing that “adherence to timelines and commitments is non-negotiable”, the BoT Chairman emphasized that the NEC remains the party’s vital platform for decision-making, consultation, and collaboration, and warned that further delays would exacerbate the current challenges facing the party.

    Wabara also turned his attention to the ongoing economic difficulties plaguing Nigerians and criticized the governments’ “poorly implemented economic reforms,” which he said have worsened poverty and eroded public trust.

    “Our party must rise to this occasion by offering credible alternatives and amplifying the voices of the suffering masses,” Wabara charged, calling on the PDP to reaffirm its commitment to fairness, equity, and prosperity for all.

    However, the BoT Chairman acknowledged that the PDP’s internal unity is critical if the party hopes to position itself as the credible alternative Nigerians need.

    “Our governors are the bedrock of the PDP’s successes across states, and their synergy is vital for our collective progress,” he stated, adding that the PDP must prioritize dialogue, collaboration, and shared responsibility as it navigates current trying times.

    While extending warm Christmas wishes to party members and Nigerians, Wabara urged all to reflect on the values of love, unity, and sacrifice.

    He also expressed confidence that the PDP could overcome its challenges and emerge stronger, provided its leaders and members commit to accountability and the party’s constitutional principles.

    “The BoT remains resolute in its commitment to ensuring the PDP emerges stronger and more united; together, we can and will overcome these challenges,” he stated.

  • How I turned down N250m bribe to support third term agenda – Ex-senate president, Wabara

    How I turned down N250m bribe to support third term agenda – Ex-senate president, Wabara

    Former Senate president, Adolphus Wabara, has revealed that he rejected the sum of N250 million to support the tenure elongation agenda (otherwise known as the Third Term) of former President Olusegun Obasanjo.

    He stated this in an interview with a YouTube podcast channel – Untold Stories with Adesuwa monitored by The Nation.

    Wabara was president of the Senate from 2003 – 2005.

    Obasanjo in 2006 had sought to extend his tenure beyond the constitutionally-allowed two terms of four years each in 2006.

    The former president, who was also the country’s military ruler between 1976 and 1979, wanted the National Assembly to amend the 1999 Constitution to enable him to prolong his stay in office.

    The move generated tension in the land at the time.

    Obasanjo has repeatedly denied he had a plan to spend another four years in office.

    “If I wanted a third term, I know how to go about it. And there is nothing I wanted that God has not given me,” he told Channels Television in 2012.

    But narrating how the third term agenda was killed, Wabara said: “Yes, I turned down N250M bribe to support third term agenda.”

    Read Also: One party state: Stop the blame game, Okechukwu tells PDP, Wabara others

    Asked why he turned down the bribe, he said: “Then, when they said they were distributing N50 million per senator, I didn’t believe it. First of all, I was not removed by Obasanjo. I resigned.

    “Because people are saying different things. There was even no pressure for me to resign then. Without people like us, there won’t be democracy now.

    “If we had supported the third term, we’d have had dictatorship and tyranny. We’ve not been forgiven for what we did not cause – the Biafran war. It wasn’t our fault.

    “The money came to me by 1:30 a.m., before my third-term speech. It came in a sparkling black G-Wagon. I can still remember that it was in a black G-Wagon and a rickety 504 station wagon. The money was discharged, and my wife was there.”

  • PDP committed to consolidation of democracy, says Wabara

    PDP committed to consolidation of democracy, says Wabara

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Board of Trustees (BOT) on Tuesday in Abuja charged the party members to works towards the consolidation of the nation’s democracy.

    The PDP BoT Chairman, Sen. Adolphus Wabara, said this during the Board’s meeting on, even as he warned against the dangers of the country morphing into one a party state.

    “A lot has happened; a lot is happening; this is the time to hit the ground running since all the judgements have  come and gone.

    “Our role as members of the BoT, the main organ of this party, is to ensure that this party did not die. If PDP goes under, definitely democracy will go under in Nigeria.

    “We know that there are plans to turn this country into a one-party state but that will be only when we allow it.

    “So we must fight for democracy in Nigeria. No body owns this party but other parties are owned. Here, we follow due process democratically,” the former Senate President said.

    Wabara also tasked members of the party, including the BoT members, to do everything to bring the party back on track.

    Wabara, who said there were so many issues happening within the party added it was time to address them.

    “Some people are blaming us for not taking disciplinary actions on time; of course that has always been the bane of the party.

    “We look at faces before we take the action. But some of us, especially the BoT, we are always objective.

    “Anything that goes outside our constitution will create problems; we should strictly abide by our constitution“, he said.

    The party acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, said it was time to rebuild the party after all litigations arising from the 2023 general election had been resolved.

    Damagum expressed the readiness of the party national leadership to work for the party’s victory in upcoming Edo and Ondo -cycle governorship elections.

    “You are all aware of the forthcoming Edo State Governorship election. We have initiated the process of selecting a candidate for that election.

    “In spite challenges, we remain focused, and with the grace of God, we will retain Edo. We also urge all members to pay attention to Edo and individually promote the PDP“, he said.

    The Chairman, PDP Governors’ Forum, Gov. Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, assured the BoT members of the governors’ support for the party.

    “We are working to make sure that we reposition the party and reduce and minimise rancour and division.

    “We must close ranks, give benefit of doubts to each other, give benefit of doubt to the party and that’s why we give them the vote of confidence in spite of anything.

    Read Also: PDP panel recommends political solution to Edo crisis

    “We don’t have the luxury of division. That is why some of the offices that are creating perception problem, we decided to rest them.

    “Reconciliation must take place. Most people have their own groups here and there, but certainly it is not time for that“, he said.

    Among those that attended the meeting were Taofeek Arapaja, Malam Sule Lamido, Emeka Ihedioha Usman Nafada, Stella Omu, and Josephine Anenih.

    Others were Chief Achike Udenwa, Dr Babangida Aliyu, Emeka Ihedioha, Sen. Ahmed Maikarfi, Sen. Ben Obi and Mr Donald Duke.

    (NAN)

  • Wogu pledges support for Wabara

    Former Minister of Labour and Productivity Emeka Wogu has assured the Abia South All Progressives Congress (APC) Senatorial candidate, Sir Marc Wabara of his support in the elections.

    He spoke at his Aba home yesterday when Wabara visited him.

    Wogu said he believed in the unity and oneness of the Ukwa/Ngwa political bloc, adding that Wabara, apart from being an indigene of Ukwa who should go to the Senate this year, has the experience and requisite political exposure to represent the people of Abia South at the National Assembly.

    Wabara, who was accompanied by some members of his campaign council, lauded Wogu for his contributions to the development of Abia South, state and Nigeria, and solicited his support in the elections.

    Wabara, who said people like him routed for Abia State to be known as God’s own state, believing it would drive those in government to deliver good governance to the people, regretted that this was not the case today.

    According to him, non-performance by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) would chase the party out of government as the people would no longer tolerate excuses for non-performance.

    Wabara described his host as a major player in Nigerian politics and a friend of Ukwa people, stressing that effective, purposeful and transparent representation were the forces propelling him to the red chamber.

  • Wabara lauds Senate on Southeast Development Commission Bill

    Senatorial candidate for Abia South on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Sir Marc Inyanagbo Wabara, has praised the Senate for passing a bill for an Act to establish the Southeast Development Commission.

    Sir Wabara, who made the commendation in a statement yesterday, said the bill, when signed into law would go a long way in addressing the infrastructural challenges in the Southeast.

    The Senate had, few days ago, approved the South East Development Commission Bill which is intended to address the challenges of Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo states.

    The former bank chief executive noted with satisfaction that the issue of non-performance by some governors in the region will partially be eclipsed by the developmental strides which, he hoped, the Commission would make when life is given to it by president of the country.

    He decried the poor state of infrastructure in Abia State, stressing that with the monthly allocations of the state, its internally generated revenue in the past eleven years coupled with the bail out funds made available to the state by the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration, it was inconceivable that the state could barely pay workers’ salaries.

    Wabara said though the current government interventionist agencies such as the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and the Abia State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (ASOPADEC) have not done much to alleviate the sufferings of the people of Abia South, he was optimistic that the South East Development Commission would be run differently as the APC would have taken over governance in Abia State by the time the Commission comes into being.

  • Abaribe, Nkwonta, Wabara and battle for Abia South

    Three candidates-Enyinnaya Abaribe (Peoples Democratic Party) (PDP), Chris Nkwonta (All Progressives Grand Alliance) (APGA) and Marc Wabara (All Proressives Congress) (APC) – are contesting for the Senate in Abia South District. Who wins? Group Political Editor EMMANUEL OLADESU examines their chances at the poll and issues that will shape the exercisse.

    THREE politicians are contesting for the Senate in Abia South District. They are popular in the zone. They have made their marks in their chosen fileds. Now, they want to test their popularity at the poll.

    Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe got a return to fly the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ticket  for the fourth time. Business mogul Chief Chris Nkwonta, is the flagbearer of the the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA).  Chief Marc Wabara is the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Abia South District is made up of six councils. They are Obingwa, Aba South, Aba North, Ugwunagbo, Ukwa West and Ukwa East.

    According to stakeholders, there is an unwritten rotation agreement between the Ngwa and Ukwa blocs. Former Senate President Adolphus Wabara, who hails from Ukwa East Council, represented Abia South between 1999 to 2007. His successor is  Abaribe, who has been elected thrice.  This is why the people of Ukwa are complaining that Abaribe’s fourth term agenda is in conflict with the rotational principle. To them, Ukwa is being marginalised. But, Abaribe’s supporters believe that he has the right to always seek re-election.

    Wabara may have the financial war chest. But, he is not perceived as a threat to either the PDP or APGA.

    But, Abaribe and Nkwonta are in a familiar terrain. The two gladiators  had clashed during the 2015 senatorial poll, which Abaribe won. Although Nkwonta went to the court to challenge Abaribe’s victory, the verdict was not reversed.

    Many were taken aback at the outcome. The APGA candidate was leading his opponent, based on 30,000 votes he got from five councils. But, the voves from Obingwa, Abaribe’s home council, upturned the figures.

    To Abaribe’s suporters, he won because people appreciated his legislative experience, pragmatism and quality leadership, which he exhibited in the National Assembly. But, a constituent, Solomon Adindu, disagreed, saying that the victory was  “facilitated by the critical actors of the political process.” He said voters will be more vigilant and protect their votes in future elections.

     

    Quest for equity and fairplay

    The Ukwa bloc is not happy over  Abaribe’s fourth term agenda, which to the sub-ethnic group, is contrary to the  ‘unwritten agreement’ between it and Ngwa.

    The PDP ticket is a bone of contention. Ukwa leaders including the Commissioner for Energy, Asiforo Okere; PDP publicity secretary, Sir Don Ubani; Chairman, ASOPADEC, Chief Sam Nwogu; Commissioner for Transport Chief Chinedum Elechi; Special Adviser Solomon Ogunji; state lawmaker representing Ukwa West Constituency, Tony Mezie Nwaubani, and chairmen of Ukwa East and Ukwa West councils, Lewis Obianyi and  Goodluck Nwobiwe, have maintained that the seat should be zoned to Ukwa.

    They said Ukwa people will neither support nor identify with any person from outside Ukwa, who aspires to the seat in 2019. To underscore the importance they attach to their agitation, the stakeholders who are all members of the PDP said the agitation to produce a senator is no longer a party affair.

    In their communique after a meeting, they said: “If the leadership of PDP at the appropriate levels shows insensitivity to the legitimate concerns of  Ukwa-East and Ukwa-West, it should be ready to bear the consequences.

    “The senatorial seat of Abia-South should be zoned to Ukwa (Asa and Ndoki). Ukwa people will neither support nor identify with any person from outside Ukwa, who aspires to the seat in 2019.

    “In the three senatorial districts of Abia State, it is only in Abia South that there is Ukwa/Ngwa. Any society that has no respect for equity would certainly experience a disastrous termination.

    “In a senatorial district that is made up of two distinct groups of indigenous peoples, there is no way it could be explained that the governor of such a state would come from one of the two groups and at the same time a senator from the same group that is on the verge of completing a third tenure of four years; making 12 consecutive years, would be desperately canvassing for a fourth tenure.

    “As at today, the Ukwa/Ngwa has produced the governor , a sitting senator and the Speaker of the  House of Assembly. The three are of Ngwa extraction. None of them is from Ukwa.  This insensitivity and humiliating imbalance in the distribution of key positions in Ukwa/Ngwa have offended the sensibilities of the peoples of Ukwa.”

    A politician from Obingwa Council, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said Abaribe’s 12 years at the Senate has not brought any development to the zone. He said the senator should explain what he has done with constituency project funds.

    He added: “It amazes me when Senator Abaribe posits that he is a defender of the Igbo race for the single fact that he stood surety for Nnamdi Kanu when he is neither an IPOB member nor moved any motion for a referendum, which is the cardinal demand of IPOB at the Senate. He just wants to use the name of IPOB and its leader to return for a fourth term.

    “If Senator Abaribe is supporting the Biafra cause as he claims let him support the referendum as chairman of Southeast Caucus.”

     

    Abaribe:

    Abaribe is a household name in Abia. He is a former deputy governor. He is a former university leader. he has grassroots support. He is one of the esteemed PDP leaders.

    Abaribe, who hails from Obingwa council, became a senator in 2007. At the recent primary, he beat his rivals- Emeka Stanley and Dr. Solomon Ogunji from Ukwa; and former Commissioner for Education, Prof. Ikechi  Mgboji from Aba South Council.

    Abaribe won the heart of many people in the zone when he stood surety for Kanu last year. His re-election campaign has been hinged on the  defence of Igbo race.

    IPOB has a strong support base in Abia, especially in Aba, which is part of Abia South. But, how that will translate into a political capital for the senator is not clear. The IPOB leader has warned his members against participating in any electoral process. Besides, the group has been proscribed by the Federal Government.

    Some people have alleged that Abaribe has not attracted enough developmental projects to the zone. Abia South is one enclave of poverty and infrastructural decay. They lament that the Aba-Ikot Ekpene Roa, which links the commercial town of Aba to Ikot Ekpene in Akwa Ibom State, has been in a dilapidated condition for over 10 years. This has affected commerce.

     

    Nkwonta:

    NKwonta is a successful businessman from Akwete in Ukwa East Council. This is his third attempt at seeking election. In 2011, he aspired to represent the district, but his ambition hit the rock. Despite the overwhelming support he enjoyed,  he was prevailed upon by the party leadership to step down to enable Abaribe go for a second term. In 2015, the coast was almost clear for  Nkwonta in the PDP, until Abaribe was asked to go for a third term. The people of Ukwa cried foul, saying the third term bid violated the zoning principle existing between it and Ngwa.

    Nwonta was not discouraged by the turn of events. He took solace in the loyalty of his supporters to his cause. Nkwonta’s philanthropy has endeared him to the people of the zone. To his fans, he is contesting next years’s election on the strength of popular goodwill. Sources said PDP senatorial aspirants, including Dr. Solomn Ogunji and Chief Emeka Stanley, who lost at the primary, may join forces with Nkwonta in the interest of Ukwa.

    According to a source,  meetings are being held on Abaribe’s chances and how to  checkmate Nkwonta, who is perceived as a threat.

    He said: “We in the PDP know that  the battle is not going to be easy for us. The APC is not our problem, no matter who the party fields. Our major challenge is the APGA candidate, Chief Chris Nkwonta, because he is a formidable opponent.”