There was mild drama in the Senate on Wednesday when Senators from the governing All Progressives Congress (APC) called for an ad hoc committee to look into the lingering crisis in the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
The drama came on the heels of the defection of Senator Ned Nwoko (Delta North) from the PDP to APC citing the lingering crisis within the party.
In a letter read by the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, the Delta north lawmaker said his decision was after deep reflection and extensive consultations with his constituents, political associates, and stakeholders across Delta North Senatorial District.
“The PDP, which once stood as a formidable platform for democratic participation and national development, has unfortunately been engulfed in persistent crises, ranging from internal divisions to a lack of clear leadership and direction. These unresolved conflicts have weakened its ability to function as an effective opposition, thereby threatening the very fabric of our democracy.
“Mr. President, democracy thrives on a strong and credible opposition that keeps the government in check, promotes accountability, and ensures that the voice of all Nigerians is heard. The continued deterioration of the PDP raises serious concerns about the future of our multi-party democracy. If urgent steps are not taken to address this national emergency, Nigeria risks sliding into a dangerous one-party system, which history has shown to be detrimental to governance and national stability.
“In view of this, I urge the Senate to take this matter seriously by setting up an Ad-Hoc Committee to investigate the crisis within the PDP and recommend a way forward to safeguard our democracy. This committee should examine the root causes of the party’s internal implosion, engage relevant stakeholders, and propose reforms that will ensure the survival of a viable opposition in Nigeria,” he said.
But Minority Leader of the Senate, Senator Abba Moro (PDP, Benue South) who challenged the APC lawmakers call, condemned the defection, insisting that the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria does not provide for defection of elected officials.
However, he was quickly countered by the Leader of the Senate, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, who gave a lucid narrative of the crisis in the opposition party, adding that, that the matter is already in court is enough evidence for Ned Nwoko to dump the party.
Senator Moro however replied that the PDP as a law abiding party has already obtained a court ruling confirming Sam Anyawu as the authentic Secretary of the party as well as a stay of execution of the Appeal Court judgement on him.
On his part, the Senate President after pacifying what was gradually becoming a heated argument, set up the ad hoc committee to look into the immediate and remote causes of the crisis in the PDP as the matter is already in court.
Senator Nwoko`s letter of defection read :
The President of the Senate,
Federal Republic of Nigeria,
National Assembly Complex,
Three Arms Zone,
Abuja.
Mr. President,
Dear colleagues,
NOTICE OF DEPARTURE FROM THE PEOPLE’S DEMOCRATIC PARTY (PDP) TO THE ALL PROGRESSIVES CONGRESS (APC)
“I write to formally inform you and my distinguished colleagues of my decision to resign my membership from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and consequently Join the All Progressives Congress (APC).
“This decision was not made lightly, but rather after deep reflection and extensive consultations with my constituents, political associates, and stakeholders across Delta North Senatorial District.
“The PDP, which once stood as a formidable platform for democratic participation and national development, has unfortunately been engulfed in persistent crises, ranging from internal divisions to a lack of clear leadership and direction.
“These unresolved conflicts have weakened its ability to function as an effective opposition, thereby threatening the very fabric of our democracy.
“Mr. President, democracy thrives on a strong and credible opposition that keeps the government in check, promotes accountability, and ensures that the voice of all Nigerians is heard. The continued deterioration of the PDP raises serious concerns about the future of our multi-party democracy.
“If urgent steps are not taken to address this national emergency, Nigeria risks sliding into a dangerous one-party system, which history has shown to be detrimental to governance and national stability.
“In view of this, I urge the Senate to take this matter seriously by setting up an Ad-Hoc Committee to investigate the crisis within the PDP and recommend a way forward to safeguard our democracy.
“This committee should examine the root causes of the party’s internal implosion, engage relevant stakeholders, and propose reforms that will ensure the survival of a viable opposition in Nigeria.
“I remain committed to serving the people of Delta North and contributing to the progress of our dear nation.
Accordingly, I kindly request that my new party affiliation be reflected in the records of the Senate.”
Please accept the assurances of my highest esteem.
Yours sincerely,
Senator Prince Ned Munir Nwoko
