IBY
Peterside Rejoice Eneky
The crisis rocking the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP became a subject of mockery in the Senate on Wednesday as Senators from the ruling All Progressive Congress, APC proposed the setting up of an ad hoc Committee of the Senate to look into the cause of the lingering crisis within the party.
The proposal followed the defection of Senator Ned Munir Nwoko (Delta North) from the PDP to the APC, citing the lingering crisis within his former party as the primary reason for his decision.
Nwoko Cites PDP Crisis for Defection
Announcing his defection, Nwoko said his move was a result of deep reflection and consultations with constituents, political associates, and stakeholders in Delta North.
“The PDP, once a formidable platform for democracy and national development, has been weakened by persistent internal divisions, lack of clear leadership, and direction. These unresolved conflicts have diminished its role as an effective opposition, threatening the fabric of our democracy,” he said.
He urged the Senate to take the matter seriously by setting up an ad hoc committee to investigate the root causes of the PDP crisis and recommend measures to strengthen opposition politics in Nigeria.
Nwoko’s defection was met with opposition from Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro (Benue South), who described it as unconstitutional, arguing that the law does not permit defection without a legally justifiable reason.
However, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele defended Nwoko’s decision, pointing to the internal leadership tussle within the PDP, which is already a subject of litigation, as valid grounds for leaving the party.
Moro countered by stating that the PDP had obtained a court ruling affirming Sam Anyanwu as the authentic National Secretary and securing a stay of execution on an Appeal Court judgment regarding the party’s leadership dispute.
Following the heated debate, Senate President Godswill Akpabio decided against setting up the proposed ad hoc committee, citing the ongoing court cases as a reason to refrain from legislative intervention in the PDP crisis.
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