Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere, a prominent member of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has raised strong objections to the appointment of Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, as Chairman of the PDP National Convention Planning Committee, alleging that the governor’s political loyalty to former Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, compromises the neutrality required to oversee a credible convention.
Ugochinyere argued that the opposing party risks further internal collapse if it proceeds with Fintiri’s appointment, insisting that the move signals a predetermined outcome that favors vested interests rather than the party’s collective rebuilding efforts.
“Governor Fintiri has openly aligned himself with Wike. How do we expect him to conduct a convention that will lead the PDP into genuine reconciliation and rebuilding?” he said. “With all due respect, we do not have confidence that he can preside over a credible process—unless he has had a complete change of heart.”
Ugochinyere warned that over 40 lawmakers and two serving governors are prepared to leave the PDP in the coming days if the party leadership fails to address what he described as Wike’s “overbearing influence” on crucial party decisions.
He called on the National Working Committee (NWC) to assert control, appoint a substantive National Chairman from the North Central, and demonstrate genuine commitment to internal reforms.
“If the NWC wants the party to survive, it must take decisive steps now. Remove Wike’s grip on the party and restore credibility. Otherwise, nobody will take us seriously.
