…Says his if he wants to call himself a faction, goodluck to him
By The9jaTREND
A member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Board of Governors, Dr. Adetokunbo Pearse, has weighed in on the ongoing internal tensions within the party, offering a pointed critique of former Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike’s recent actions.
Speaking during an interview on Arise News, Dr. Pearse emphasized the importance of party structure, discipline, and unity, stressing that political organizations operate within clearly defined frameworks that guide their decisions and activities. According to him, attempts to bypass these structures risk undermining legitimacy and weakening party cohesion.
According to him, “There are people who are not with the PDP but are claiming to be. If he wants to call himself a faction, good luck to him. You will see how this will end, because his convention does not mean anything, as he has no political party on which to hold a convention.”
He went on to explain that party affiliation and adherence to internal procedures are central to determining authority and recognition within any political organization. Without recognition from the established party apparatus, any separate gatherings or conventions lack legal and political weight, Pearse argued.
“The PDP has an established framework for how decisions are made and conventions are conducted,” he said. “When individuals operate outside of these structures, it creates confusion and threatens the integrity of the party. No matter how influential a person may be, they cannot simply redefine the rules to suit themselves.”
Dr. Pearse’s comments come against the backdrop of recent disagreements between Wike and other PDP leaders, particularly regarding the party’s direction ahead of upcoming elections. Wike, who has long been a prominent figure in the party, has reportedly held meetings and discussions that some perceive as attempts to form a faction within the PDP.
While acknowledging Wike’s influence, Pearse highlighted that political legitimacy is tied to adherence to established procedures and collective decision-making, rather than individual authority. “Political influence alone does not translate to legitimacy. Structures, conventions, and party decisions are what give actions legal and political significance,” he said.
According to Pearse, bypassing established channels can have consequences, not just for individual actors but for the broader party. Factions that claim legitimacy without formal recognition risk isolation and may struggle to effect meaningful change within the political landscape.
Pearse noted that the PDP relies on a balance of internal governance, rule adherence, and collective participation to maintain order. Any attempt to circumvent these processes threatens this balance and risks internal fragmentation.
“Unity within the party is essential, especially as we approach key elections. Maintaining clarity about who represents the party and under what authority is critical to ensuring success,” he added.