Ward officers of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Akwa Ibom State have expressed strong discontent over what they term gross marginalization and oppression by a forum of PDP ward leaders, which they label as unconstitutional.
A PDP ward chairman from Uyo Federal Constituency reported that this group, primarily composed of former commissioners, ex-House of Assembly members, and previous political office seekers, has usurped the constitutional functions of current ward officers, rendering them ineffective and irrelevant in the eyes of party members.
Insiders from the government house indicated that the problematic behavior of many ward leaders has contributed to delays in appointing supervisors, despite local government inaugurations having already taken place.
Sources claim that numerous ward leaders have nominated their family members—children, spouses, and close relatives—for these positions, prompting the governor to annul the initial supervisors list in favor of a new one.
While a minority of ward leaders have maintained a commitment to integrity and fairness in the selection process for local government supervisors, the majority have been criticized for prioritizing personal connections over public interest.
One ward officer revealed that during the local government election campaigns, ward leaders received greater prominence than the elected ward officers of the PDP. Although acknowledging the forum’s role in the party’s recent electoral successes, he insisted that the PDP constitution does not formally recognize such a body.
The ward officers have issued a warning, stating their intention to defect to another political party if the power and constitutional rights of the ward leadership are not reinstated.
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