ABUJA, Nigeria – Amidst ongoing turbulence within the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, Edwin Clark, a former Federal Commissioner for Information and a prominent leader in the South-South, has issued a strong call for sweeping reforms and disciplinary measures within the party.
This statement comes as the PDP holds its National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting today, Thursday, April 18, 2024.
Clark’s assertions were laid out in a comprehensive statement made available to The Trent titled, “As the National Working Committee, (NEC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) meets: A Poser- PDP: To be or not to be?”
He expressed grave concerns about the alleged anti-party activities of former Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, who he labeled as “the greatest enemy of PDP,” and others who he believes played a role in the party’s 2023 electoral defeats.
Wike, currently serving as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), was accused by Clark of manipulating the party for personal gains.
To address these issues, Clark has recommended the establishment of a strong disciplinary committee to probe these activities thoroughly.
He also suggested the immediate dissolution of the present National Working Committee (NWC) of the PDP for engaging in similar activities, proposing the appointment of an Acting National Chairman in line with the party’s constitution.
Clark pointed out the dangers of the party’s reliance on individual financiers and criticised the current member registration system, advocating for a return to the online registration initiative started by former National Chairman, Dr. Okwesilieze Nwodo.
He argued that this would help the party avoid dependence on “money bags” who dictate its direction.
Furthermore, Clark issued a stark warning against nominating former Vice President and 2023 Presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, for the 2027 elections, suggesting that it could lead to the party’s collapse as a major political force in Nigeria.
In his reflection on the philosophical underpinnings of his engagement with political matters, Clark cited Aristotle, emphasising the inherently political nature of human beings and the necessity of communal partnerships in governance.
His statement also included a harsh critique of Wike’s dual influence over both the PDP and the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State, accusing him of preparing to ultimately destroy the PDP to benefit his positions within the APC.
Clark recounted various instances of Wike’s dominance over PDP’s structure in Rivers State, including his alleged role in influencing APC’s decisions in the state.
As the PDP’s NEC meeting unfolds, the eyes of the nation are on how the party plans to address these internal conflicts and align its strategies ahead of future electoral challenges.
