SDP splits into factions

The linger crisis within the ranks of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) South-East geopolitical chapter degenerated over the weekend when it splitted into two factions.
The two factions separately conducted meetings in Enugu, even as each of the two factions accused each other of promoting political mischief.
The factions led by the National Organising Secretary of the party, Chief Emeka Atuma held their meeting at Utopia Hotel, while the second faction led by the National Vice Chairman, Senator Ebenezer Ikeyina held their own meeting in Tomlyin Hotel, all in Independence layout, Enugu.
In a communique signed by the steering committee chairmen of the five states in the zone, the Atuma group said, “The zone resolved to eliminate political infighting and focus on purposeful leadership at the zonal, state, LGA and ward levels.
“Appropriate steps should be taken by the national leaders to harmonise all discontent and dissenting voices to ensure that SDP becomes one united family.
” On his part, the leader of the second faction, Chief Ikeyina said that one of the outcomes of their meeting was the party’s insistence on restructuring of Nigeria along six geopolitical zones.
He said that in SDP, the party was supreme, stressing that the party was out to enthrone a socialist regime if it wins Nigerian presidency. Ikeyina said, “this time around, SDP will be seen as a social party. Those handicapped will be taken care of by the society. Socialism is the word. It is our selling point, inbuilt in our name.
It’s something new we are bringing.
” On the issue of actualising a Nigerian president of Igbo extraction, Ikeyina said that “Ndigbo are over-ripe for presidency of Nigeria and SDP will facilitate this. We are working with all organisations that believe in justice.”