Ekpenyong argued that it was Peter Odili who helped Wike rise to political limelight.
Uyo, Nigeria – A former Senator representing Akwa Ibom North West, Chris Ekpenyong, has stated that the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, lacks the influence and resources to destabilize the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Ekpenyong argued that Wike is merely taking advantage of the party’s deviation from the founding principles set by its pioneers, which has allowed governors to gain disproportionate power within the party.
Ekpenyong made these remarks during an interview with journalists in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, while reacting to recent comments made by Wike. The former Rivers State governor had threatened to create turmoil in PDP-controlled states if governors interfered in state affairs.
Responding to Wike’s threats, Ekpenyong said, “He [Wike] is a young politician who rose through the ranks due to the support of his political mentor, Dr. Peter Odili. Now, he claims he wants to challenge the party’s structure. I believe he is taking advantage of the current weakness in the party, but I do not see how he will succeed.”
Ekpenyong further remarked that the PDP has drifted far from its original vision of promoting social justice and fairness, a shift which has allowed state governors to overshadow the party. “PDP, as a national party, was founded on principles of justice and fairness. Leadership was supposed to emerge from the will of the people, not through imposition by governors who have now become too powerful,” he said.
The former deputy governor lamented the current state of the PDP, claiming that the party has “gone into a cocoon” and is yet to be revived. He attributed the party’s decline to the growing influence of state governors, who have taken control and stifled democratic processes within the PDP.
Ekpenyong concluded by emphasizing the need for the PDP to return to its founding principles to regain its former glory.
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