By Fatima Saka
Abuja Nigeria – Senator Abbas Aminu Iya, representing Adamawa Central Senatorial District under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has downplayed speculations of internal crisis rocking the opposition party, likening recent disagreements to “family affairs” that have been amicably resolved.
Speaking to journalists in Abuja on Tuesday, the Senator offered a spirited defense of the PDP’s internal cohesion, following a recent reconciliation meeting between contending party figures, Samuanyawa and Udi Ukui. “What magic did we play? There’s no magic in settling family affairs. If your two children are fighting, there’s no magic to stop it. You just sit down as a family and resolve it,” he said.
He confirmed that a consensus was reached behind closed doors and one person was adopted, signalling a resolution to a long-standing internal power tussle. “That’s what happened yesterday,” he reiterated.
While journalists pressed him on the delay in resolving the impasse, the Senator maintained that internal conflicts, even when prolonged, are part of party dynamics. “Whether it takes one month or one year, what matters is that we have settled. PDP is coming out stronger.”
On growing defections from the PDP and criticisms over the party’s silence on the alleged anti-party activities of former Rivers Governor and current FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, Senator Iya was dismissive. “Wike funding PDP? How? Will someone fund PDP and still revoke its property? That doesn’t make sense,” he retorted.
He insisted no formal complaint had been made within the party about Wike’s actions and suggested that those accusing him of disloyalty had themselves once acted similarly. “Even in 1999, people from APP joined the government. It’s not new.”
On the planned National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting slated for July 24, Senator Iya affirmed the party’s leadership is fully engaged in moving forward. “There was a meeting. Governors were there. NEC was there. And we agreed on the date. That’s progress.”
Touching on national issues, he passionately advocated increased budgetary allocation for science and technology, calling it the only viable path to Nigeria’s economic transformation. “Everybody underrates science, but that is what will save us. If we don’t invest in research and development, we will continue lagging behind.”
Senator Iya lamented the current budgetary allocation for science and tech, reportedly below ₦100 billion annually, and called for urgent reforms. “You can’t expect development when the engine room of innovation is underfunded.”
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Despite his optimistic tone, he acknowledged the prevailing dissatisfaction among Nigerians, stressing that the PDP is working to align itself with the people’s desires ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“The truth is Nigerians are not happy. Whether APC or PDP, they want results. And we believe PDP offers a better future. We are getting ready — and we will win.”
