The All Progressives Congress (APC) has categorically denied involvement in the protracted leadership tussle within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), as alleged by Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed. Felix Morka, National Publicity Secretary of the APC, issued a statement in Abuja, dismissing the claims and attributing the PDP's crisis to self-inflicted and endemic issues.
Morka emphasized that the PDP's history of leadership conflicts predates the APC's formation, citing the tumultuous tenures of national chairmen Barnabas Gemade, Audu Ogbeh, Vincent Ogbulafor, Okwesilieze Nwodo, Bamanga Tukur, Ali Modu Sheriff, Ahmed Makarfi, Uche Secondus, and Iyorcha Ayu. These instances, according to Morka, demonstrate the PDP's longstanding struggle with internal chaos.
The APC spokesman contended that the latest crisis stems from the PDP's failure to adhere to its constitution regarding zoning and power sharing between the North and South zones. Morka advised Governor Mohammed and other PDP leaders to introspect and seek solutions within their party rather than blaming the APC.
"The PDP decided to concentrate both positions in one zone, digging itself into a deeper crisis," Morka stated. He added, "Our great party is too busy doing the job entrusted to it by the Nigerian electorate and does not have a moment to spare in involvement in PDP's internal commotion."
Governor Mohammed had previously accused the APC of stirring the internal crisis in the PDP, specifically pointing to the bitter wrangling between Rivers State Governor Siminalaye Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike. However, the APC's denial underscores its commitment to focusing on its own mandate, leaving the PDP to resolve its internal conflicts.