Chief Edwin Clark, a former federal commissioner for information and a leader in the South South, is advocating for a disciplinary panel to look into the alleged anti-party behaviors of Nyesom Wike, the former Governor of Rivers State, and others whose actions contributed to the failure of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 elections.
In a statement released in Abuja on Wednesday, Clark accused Wike, the current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), of being the primary antagonist of the PDP, manipulating the party with the intention to dismantle it.
The veteran statesman also demanded the immediate dissolution of the existing National Working Committee (NWC) of the PDP.
He suggested that following the dissolution of the NWC, an interim national chairman should be appointed in compliance with the party’s constitution, citing a similar scenario during Prince Uche Secondus’ tenure, who is currently in litigation.
The leader of the Southern and Middle Belt Leaders Forum (SMBLF) advised the party to revisit the online registration of its members, originally introduced by Dr. Okwesilieze Nwodo, the former National Chairman, to prevent the party from being controlled by individuals. He expressed concern that certain overzealous members had manipulated the party for their personal interests.
Clark warned that if Atiku Abubakar, the former Vice President and the 2023 Presidential candidate, were to become the candidate for the 2027 elections, the PDP would face a collapse as the country’s second major party.
Clarifying his stance, Clark stated, “I understand that some readers may question my involvement in active party politics, given my earlier declaration of retirement. However, as the renowned philosopher Aristotle stated, ‘Man is by nature a political animal,’ emphasizing the innate human tendency to engage in partnerships.”
He emphasized the importance of partnerships within a community (polis in Greek) and how it evolves into political associations, asserting his commitment to addressing governance and political issues that could negatively impact the nation as long as he is physically and mentally capable.