…Say lawmaker is sabotaging caucus unity, urge leadership to act fast
…Accuses lawmaker of undermining party cohesion, fanning division
A coalition of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) stakeholders has accused Hon Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere, member representing Ideato North/South Federal Constituency, of waging what it called a “toxic, personalised political campaign” that threatens to destabilise the House of Representatives and fracture the party’s minority caucus.
In a strongly worded statement issued on Saturday and signed by Barrister Larry Onyeke, President of the PDP Unity and Progressive Vanguard, and Ms Grace Agbo, its national secretary, the group warned Speaker Tajudeen Abbas not to overlook what it described as “the dangerous antics” of Hon Ugochinyere.
The group said the lawmaker’s recent outbursts over the emergence of Hon Fred Agbedi as PDP caucus leader reflect “a deliberate campaign to delegitimise internal structures” and “sow discord for factional gain.”
They also came to the defence of the Minority Leader, Hon Kingsley Chinda, who was targeted in Ugochinyere’s statements.
“Chinda has led the minority caucus with maturity and political skill. Reducing his efforts to ‘acting a script’ is defamatory, unserious and disrespectful,” the group stated.
The group further alleged that Ugochinyere may be fronting for external interests who are intent on destabilising the PDP from within.
They cited his role in the Rivers State political crisis, describing him as a “chief amplifier of toxic narratives” during the heated conflict.
“We remember how this same lawmaker inserted himself in Rivers affairs, issuing inflammatory statements that worsened tensions — all in the name of protecting democracy,” they said.
The Vanguard also accused Ugochinyere of neglecting legislative duties and engaging in political showmanship, despite his chairmanship of a major committee on petroleum.
“This isn’t about intra-party disagreement. It’s about conduct unbefitting of a federal lawmaker,” the statement noted.
They warned Speaker Abbas not to remain passive in the face of internal sabotage.
“Failure to rein in this behaviour will allow the House to be hijacked by vendettas and ego battles that have no relevance to national progress.”
The group concluded by urging PDP members in the National Assembly to stay focused on their responsibilities and not be distracted by internal provocations.
“The PDP must not be reduced to a megaphone for one man’s ambition. The House must reflect strength and discipline — not chaos,” it said.
