As Nigeria celebrates its 27th Democracy Day, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Imo State has launched a scathing critique of Governor Hope Uzodinma’s administration, accusing it of undermining democratic principles, violating the rule of law, and eroding public trust in governance. The party’s statement, released through its spokesperson Lancelot Obiaku, highlights what it describes as a systematic disregard for the separation of powers, accountability, and transparency in the state’s governance over the past six years.
The PDP argues that the current administration has failed to deliver the essence of true democracy to Imo people, citing arbitrary use of power, corruption, insecurity, and mismanagement of public funds as persistent issues. The party points to the non-payment of minimum wage, pensions, and gratuities, as well as the lack of development in rural infrastructure, education, and commerce, despite over N700 billion in local government allocations being disbursed since the governor took office. According to the PDP, less than 10 percent of these funds reach the local government areas, which are left underfunded and ineffective.
The party further alleges that the governor has stifled democratic processes by refusing to hold local government elections and instead appointing sole administrators to act as LGA chairmen. This, they argue, denies citizens their right to elect representatives closest to them. The PDP also raised concerns over the appointment of Justice Theophilus Nnamdi Nzeukwu as Acting Chief Judge, a move they claim was unconstitutional and not in line with Section 271(4) of the Nigerian Constitution. The National Judicial Council later declared the appointment void, drawing national attention to the state’s governance crisis.
The absence of a Chief Judge for nearly a year, the PDP notes, has paralyzed the judiciary, preventing case assignments and other critical functions. The party also criticized the shutdown of the Public Procurement Bureau, saying contracts are now awarded secretly without public disclosure or legislative oversight. They pointed to the re-awarding of the World Bank-funded Umuguma and Nekede–Iheanwa road projects—initially awarded in 2020 and 2023 for tens of billions of naira—with no visible progress, calling it “the height of theft and sleaze.”
Despite these allegations, the PDP extended Democracy Day greetings to Imo residents and Nigerians, urging them to remain hopeful and committed to democratic ideals. The party remains confident that a brighter, more accountable future lies ahead for the state and the nation.
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