The former Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, has openly bragged about his role in ousting Uche Secondus as the national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Wike, who held significant influence within the party, proudly explained that he was instrumental in Secondus’s removal due to concerns about the latter's leadership abilities and the overall direction of the party ahead of the 2023 general elections.
Wike highlighted that the decision to push Secondus out of his role was driven by a need to strengthen the PDP, ensuring that it could effectively navigate the political landscape in Nigeria. He stressed the importance of having a cohesive and strategic leadership that would enhance the party’s chances of electoral success and help resolve internal conflicts that had plagued the party.
According to GistReel, Prince Uche Secondus, an elder statesman within the PDP, was appointed as the Chairman of the party’s National Working Committee in 2017. However, by 2021, Secondus was suspended from the party following internal disagreements. This move paved the way for Wike and other key party figures to push for new leadership within the party structure.
During a recent address to his supporters and PDP members in Port Harcourt, Wike elaborated on his reasons for leading the charge against Secondus. He claimed that Secondus’s actions were influenced by personal interests, particularly when he allegedly attempted to promote his cousin, Tele Ikuru, as the party’s gubernatorial candidate for Rivers State. Wike expressed his displeasure, stating: “Why did we kick out Secondus? We kicked him out because he wanted to bring his cousin Tele Ikuru. Get out, get out, who are you?”
Wike also refuted claims that a mere ward chairman could have unilaterally removed a national chairman from office. He explained that while the ward chairman initially suspended Secondus from the party, it was ultimately this suspension that made it impossible for Secondus to retain his position. Wike clarified: “No ward Chairman removed a national chairman. What the ward did was suspend him from the party. When you’re suspended from the party, can you hold that position? People don’t even understand the facts.”
In his remarks, Wike stood firmly by his actions, expressing no regret for playing a role in Secondus’s ousting, and maintained that it was a necessary move for the future of the PDP.