PDP National Publicity Secretary Ini Emembong discusses Governor Fubara and Governor Adeleke defections, citing leadership lapses and vicarious circumstances
The National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party, Ini Emembong, has attributed Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s defection to personal choices, while describing Governor Ademola Adeleke’s exit as a “victim of circumstance.”
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Speaking on television, Emembong said decisive action by party leadership in 2023 could have prevented the protracted crisis that engulfed both governors.
Emembong explained that while Fubara voluntarily became a candidate under the PDP platform, Adeleke’s defection was influenced by structural and leadership lapses within the party.
“Every problem has a human cause and therefore should also have a human solution. A strong action by the leadership ought to have been taken from 2023,” he said.
The PDP spokesman highlighted that attempts at negotiation were made but failed to resolve the emerging crisis.
He noted that some governors were ready to support Fubara, but the governor himself discouraged assertive intervention, leaving him vulnerable.
“While we sympathise with him, the attempt to shift blame is what we are very angry with. He knows where the origin of his problem is,” Emembong said, referencing Fubara’s ongoing claims of insecurity within the party.
On Adeleke, Emembong clarified that the governor’s defection was vicarious, arising from circumstances beyond his control, though he still bore some responsibility.
He added that political agreements between predecessors and successors exist but should not contravene the constitution or commit illegal acts.
Emembong also acknowledged internal challenges within the PDP, noting that political parties are often heterogeneous and that conflict resolution remains a critical leadership tool.
He emphasised that governors have considerable discretion, but outreach efforts continue to maintain party cohesion.
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“The Governors’ Forum and party leadership are reaching out, but there is a thin line between what is illegal and what is immoral,” he said, underscoring the delicate balance the PDP seeks to maintain in managing defections.
