Ambassador Aminu Wali, a senior figure in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of instigating internal conflicts within the PDP to weaken opposition politics in Nigeria, Daily Trust reports.
In an interview with the BBC, Wali alleged that the APC is involved in creating divisions within opposition parties, contributing to the ongoing crisis in the PDP.
“You can be sure that the APC has a hand in the disputes occurring within some political parties in Nigeria,” Wali said, citing recent tensions within the PDP as evidence.
He accused the APC of fostering disunity among opposition parties to undermine their strength. According to Wali, while the PDP’s executive committee recently resolved some disputes, deeper tensions persist due to alleged external interference.
Wali also blamed Nyesom Wike, the former Rivers State Governor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, for contributing to the PDP’s challenges. He claimed Wike’s actions before and during the last elections suggested alignment with the APC, accusing him of working against the PDP.
“As PDP elders, we can only offer advice, but disciplining members is the responsibility of the party’s leadership,” Wali said. He criticized the PDP’s leadership for failing to address internal issues, arguing that stricter adherence to party principles could have prevented the current crisis. “If the party had followed its principles, many of the crises we are facing today might have been avoided,” he added.
Wali expressed frustration over the ineffectiveness of various committees formed to address the issues, citing a lack of progress and cooperation from key members. He called for a major party convention to restructure the PDP’s leadership and enforce discipline.
In response, Ahmed Aruwa, the APC publicity secretary in Kano, dismissed Wali’s claims, describing them as unfounded.
“The APC has nothing to do with the PDP,” Aruwa said, suggesting Wali’s statements may stem from misunderstandings. He accused the PDP of failing to address its internal issues and shifting blame. “They are looking for faults elsewhere instead of focusing on rebuilding their party,” he said.
Aruwa also defended the APC’s decision to include Wike in its government, stating that Wike’s role is to contribute to governance and national development.
