The Arewa PDP Unity Forum (APUF) has slammed the Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ibrahim Abdullahi, over what it described as “reckless and disrespectful” remarks against former Enugu State Governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi.
In a statement signed on Friday by its National President, Dr. Maikanti Adamu, the Forum said Abdullahi’s comments on national television were unbecoming of a senior party officer and capable of sowing disunity ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“Dr. Abdullahi’s statement was both unfortunate and unnecessary. To describe a two-term governor who delivered his state for the PDP in the last election as someone ‘carrying a bag’ for anyone is an insult not only to Ugwuanyi but to the collective history and legacy of our party,” Adamu said.
The Forum commended Ugwuanyi’s record in Enugu, noted that his calm leadership and political diplomacy helped the PDP maintained relevance in the South-East during the 2023 elections.
“While many states slipped from PDP control, Enugu stood firm under Ugwuanyi’s leadership. Those who could not even hold their local governments for the party should be the last to question his loyalty or stature,” Adamu added.
APUF reminded the party hierarchy that respect for past leaders remains crucial for cohesion, stressed that national officers should act as unifiers, not “purveyors of insult.”
“If we keep ridiculing our own, how do we expect Nigerians to take us seriously as a government-in-waiting?” Adamu queried.
The Forum urged the PDP National Working Committee (NWC) to caution its spokespersons against inflammatory comments, warned that internal disrespect could weaken public confidence in the opposition party.
It also reaffirmed its respect for former governors, legislators, and party elders nationwide, describing them as “living pillars of the PDP whose experience must not be discarded for the sake of media soundbites.”
