By Emmanuel Kwada
In a blistering rebuttal, Dr. Umar D. Duhu, a prominent political commentator and stalwart of the All Progressives Congress (APC) with advanced degrees in law (LLM, PhD), has accused Dr. Umar Ardo of bias and unwarranted meddling after the latter urged Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri to resign from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
Dr. Ardo, a key figure in the Social Democratic Party (SDP) who contested the 2023 Adamawa governorship election under its banner and is reportedly now aligned with the African Democratic Congress (ADC), had independently called for Fintiri’s exit from the PDP.
The demand stems from the governor’s public stance on the potential expulsion of former Rivers State Governor and ex-Federal Minister Nyesom Wike, alongside other PDP chieftains, amid ongoing internal party crises.
Duhu described Ardo’s intervention as “scathing” and fundamentally flawed, emphasizing that Ardo, as a non-PDP member, lacks the locus standi to dictate or opine on the party’s internal affairs.
”This is an act of intermeddling into another party’s domestic jurisdiction,” Duhu stated, noting that the PDP operates under its own constitution and rules, which bind only its members.
He questioned what “vested interest or legitimate expectation” Ardo could possibly claim in PDP matters.
Governor Fintiri, who currently chairs the PDP’s 2025 Elective National Convention Organizing Committee, has advocated for peace, stability, and reconciliation within the party—principles Duhu praised as essential for organizational survival.
Fintiri’s position on the Wike controversy, Duhu argued, reflects a fiduciary duty to prioritize dialogue over division, especially as the PDP grapples with legal battles and factional disputes still pendente lite.
Duhu further dismissed Ardo’s claims that Fintiri’s actions are driven by “selfish reasons,” particularly allegations of benefiting from Wike’s political and financial backing.
Labeling these as “speculative” and lacking prima facie evidence, Duhu warned that such statements risk defamation and serve only to “muddy the waters” rather than foster constructive debate.
Overlooking the PDP’s complexities, Ardo’s resignation demand ignores the value of proportionality and natural justice, Duhu contended.
He stressed that political parties must resolve disagreements through their own mechanisms, free from external pressure, in line with the doctrine of party autonomy.
”While Dr. Ardo is entitled to his opinions, his actions as a non-member are inappropriate and potentially ultra vires,” Duhu concluded.
”Governor Fintiri’s leadership should be evaluated by PDP members themselves, who are best equipped to steer the party’s future.”
The exchange highlights deepening tensions within Nigeria’s opposition landscape, as the PDP continues to battle internal rifts ahead of future electoral cycles. Neither Ardo nor Governor Fintiri’s office has issued an immediate response to Duhu’s criticisms.
