"PDP's Ghost Stronger Than Most Political Parties" – Ex-Abia Governor Ikpeazu Stirs Political Waters

In a statement that has set Nigeria's political landscape abuzz, former Abia State Governor Okezie Ikpeazu has declared that even the "ghost" of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) carries more political weight than most existing political parties in the country.

Speaking at a recent political gathering in Umuahia, Dr. Ikpeazu, who governed Abia State under the PDP platform from 2015 to 2023, offered this bold assessment while reflecting on the party's enduring influence despite its recent challenges.

"What we are witnessing is remarkable," Ikpeazu stated. "Even when critics proclaim PDP's demise, its lingering influence continues to shape political discourse. The party's ghost, if you will, commands more respect and strategic consideration than many fully operational political parties today."

This provocative declaration comes at a time when Nigeria's political alignments continue to shift following the 2023 general elections. Despite losing the presidential election and control of several states, the PDP remains a significant opposition force with deep institutional roots across the federation.

Political analysts note that Ikpeazu's statement highlights the complex reality of Nigeria's political landscape, where party structures built over decades continue to influence governance even when not in power.

"The former governor's assessment, while colorful, contains substantial truth," notes political scientist Dr. Oluwafemi Adebayo. "Political parties in Nigeria often operate more as election vehicles than as institutions with defined ideologies and structures. The PDP, despite its challenges, maintains organizational depth that newer parties still struggle to achieve."

The statement has generated mixed reactions, with PDP loyalists celebrating it as confirmation of the party's resilience, while members of ruling parties dismiss it as mere political posturing.

Whether metaphorical ghost or political reality, Ikpeazu's comments underscore the continuing evolution of Nigeria's democratic experiment as parties compete not just for power, but for institutional relevance in the country's political consciousness.

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What's your take on Ikpeazu's statement? Is PDP's influence still substantial in Nigerian politics? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.

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