PDP Crisis: Secondus’ Fate Hangs As Another Top Shot Quits; BOT Member, Joy Emordi, Defects To APC

By Ayodele Oni

The mass exodus continues in the opposition People’s Democratic Party, (PDP) as a member, Board of Trustees, Senator Joy Emordi, defected to the All Progressives Congress, (APC).

The defection of a top echelon of the opposition party is coming as the embattled Chairman of the Party, Prince Uche Secondus, is reported to be considering an honourable option of resigning voluntarily, as a face saving measure.

Seven members of NEC of the party, who resigned on Tuesday had, among other things, accused the Chairman of high- handedness and insensitivity.

The National Working Committee (NWC) of the party met in Abuja on Wednesday, with the Chairman not in attendance, to deliberate on the future of the Party and the embattled Chairman.

Chairman APC Caretaker Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee and Yobe state Governor, Mai Mala Buni, formally received  Senator Emordi in a brief ceremony in Abuja.

Sen. Emordi, said she was convinced that the future of a prosperous and united Nigeria lies in the APC, describing the APC leadership as sincerely and genuinely committed to a united Nigeria that has plans for the future generation.

The former Lawmaker assured the APC of her loyalty and that of  her supporters to the party: “l assure the party of my loyalty and support and to work for the success of the party.

“The APC led Federal Government is working for the South East and this is attracting more PDP members into APC.”

The  NWC meeting, presided over by the Deputy National Chairman North, Senator Suleman Nazif, met till the early hours of Wednesday in an attempt to save the party and give the embattled National Chairman a soft landing.

One thing that the meeting was able to achieve, according to inside sources, is the fact that those that attended unanimously agreed that Prince Secondus’ time is up and there is the need to move the party forward.

It was further gathered that a follow up meeting is due within the next couple of days to allow for more members to attend during which a resolute decision, to relieve Secondus of his position as the national chairman is expected to be taken.

However, there are strong indications that Prince Secondus may decide to tow the line of honour before the appointed day and resign.

Although, he continued with his consultations but from indications, he has lost the support of prominent members of the Party.

The PDP Governors Forum, which promised to wade into the mass resignation of NWC members on Tuesday, is reported to have shut its door against the Chairman.

If he still enjoys support from any NEC member, it may be difficult for such member to openly canvass for him now.

It will be recalled that Prince Secondus rode into office with full backing of Rivers State Governor, Mr Nyesom Wike and former governor of Ekiti state, Mr Ayo Fayose, who blocked one of his kinsmen, Dr Tunde Adeniran, from contesting for the position.

Those that reacted to the present state of the opposition party said such situation cannot be avoided, especially when another General election is knocking at the door.