The Arewa PDP Unity Forum, APUF, has criticised the Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Ibrahim Abdullahi, over what it described as “reckless and disrespectful comments” against former Enugu State Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi.

In a statement signed by its National President, Dr Maikanti Adamu, on Friday, the forum said Abdullahi’s remarks on national television were unbecoming of a senior party officer, warning that such public derision of respected party leaders undermines internal unity ahead of the 2027 general elections.

“Dr Abdullahi’s statement was both unfortunate and unnecessary. To describe a two-term governor who delivered his state for the PDP in the last election as someone ‘carrying a bag’ for anyone is an insult not only to Ugwuanyi but to the collective history and legacy of our party,” Adamu said.

The group noted that Ugwuanyi’s record in Enugu and his quiet diplomacy during the 2023 Elections helped PDP retain its political relevance in the South-East at a time when the party struggled elsewhere.

“While many states slipped from PDP’s control, Enugu stood firm under Ugwuanyi’s leadership. Those who could not even hold their local governments for the party should be the last to question his loyalty or stature,” Adamu declared.

The Arewa PDP Unity Forum reminded the party hierarchy that top figures deserve respect irrespective of current political alignments, stressing that Abdullahi’s comments projected arrogance and deepened internal divisions.

“Our national officers should be seen as unifiers, not purveyors of insult. If we keep ridiculing our own, how do we expect the Nigerian people to take us seriously as a government-in-waiting?” Adamu queried.

The forum urged the PDP National Working Committee to caution its spokespersons against making statements that trivialise the sacrifices of past leaders, noting that discipline and mutual respect remain essential for party cohesion.

“The PDP has weathered storms for over two decades because it accommodates diverse voices. The Deputy National Publicity Secretary should focus on strengthening structures that win elections, not attacking those who already have,” he added.

The APUF further reaffirmed its respect for former governors, legislators, and party elders across the country, describing them as “living pillars of the PDP whose experience must not be discarded for the sake of media soundbites”.