Rejoinder: Why Governor Fintiri’s Position on the Wike–PDP Crisis Reflects Constitutional Rights and Political Wisdom

 Yola, Adamawa - November 21, 2025

To Dr. Umar Ardo The Forgotten Failure.

The recent call by Dr. Umar Ardo on Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri to resign from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) over his reservations concerning the expulsion of FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, raises serious concerns about political intolerance and misinterpretation of constitutional democracy.

While Dr. Ardo is entitled to his views, it is important that such public commentary be guided by legal reasoning, political maturity and a sincere commitment to democratic principles—rather than personal grievances or emotional reactions.

Constitutional Rights Are Not Selective

The 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) is clear on the issue of personal opinion and party membership.

Under Section 39(1), every Nigerian citizen has the right to freedom of expression, including the right to hold opinions without interference.

Similarly, Section 40 guarantees the right to freedom of association, which includes the right to belong to and remain in a political party of one’s choice.

Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri’s expression of concern over the expulsion of Nyesom Wike does not equal Ardo's thoughts of bias to the PDP. It is a legitimate exercise of his constitutional right to personal opinion within a democratic setting. Political parties are not autocratic organizations where disagreement automatically translates into rebellion or expulsion.

To suggest otherwise is to advocate internal authoritarianism within a democratic party.

Party Decisions Must Allow Room for Future Reconciliation

While respecting the authority of the PDP Convention in making decisions, it is also politically irresponsible to ignore the need for reconciliation, especially in a party that has suffered from internal disunity in the past.

The 2023 presidential elections stand as a painful reminder of what disunity can cost. The unresolved conflict between Nyesom Wike and the party’s presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, deeply fractured the PDP nationally and weakened its electoral strength. The consequences are still being felt today.

Governor Fintiri’s call for caution and reconciliation is not a rejection of party authority. It is a strategic warning against repeating a politically expensive error as it happened with decisions surrounding the Wike/Atiku era in the past preselection issues in the PDP.

Fintiri as a Stabilizer, Not a Sympathizer

As Chairman of the PDP 2025 National Elective Convention, Governor Fintiri is expected to rise above factional interests and think about the overall stability of the party. His stance reflects political maturity and foresight, not emotional sympathy or rebellion against party resolutions.

Leadership is not about inflaming crises but mitigating them. True leaders do not seek applause; they seek solutions.

A Note on Dr. Umar Ardo’s Political Style

Without resorting to personal attacks, it is important to observe that your consistent political hostility towards key figures in Adamawa State does not strengthen democratic culture. It weakens unveils how dangerous your kind will be if given the opportunity to be in governance space with the new generation politicians.

Persistent political antagonism, especially when driven by personal frustration rather than ideological differences, damages not only political relationships but also long-term credibility and influence. Constructive criticism builds democracy. Constant hostility by you damages it.

Finally Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri’s position reflects a deeper understanding of political realities, constitutional rights and party stability. His approach does not undermine the PDP. On the contrary, it strengthens its long-term survival by promoting internal dialogue and reconciliation.

In a democracy, not every disagreement requires all party affiliates to attack rather some will still bridge and keep hope alive. We need a window at all times to if Nigeria will be salvaged says Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri.

Sometimes, it only requires wisdom, restraint, and foresight.

Dr. Umar Ardo should genuinely reflect on this truth.

Dogo Victor, Ph.D

Published on Hicia News