PDP Leadership Crisis: A Sign of Disrespect to Nigerian Politics.
By Bala Salihu Dawakin kudu
January 30, 2025.
The ongoing leadership crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) reflects deep-seated issues of internal disunity, lack of discipline, and absence of internal democracy. As Nigeria’s major opposition party, the PDP has struggled to present itself as a credible alternative to the ruling party ahead of the 2027 general elections. Instead of fostering unity and producing competent leaders, the party has been plagued by internal conflicts, accusations, and power struggles that undermine its chances of reclaiming power.
The PDP’s repeated leadership tussles and factional disputes highlight its failure to instill internal democracy. Rather than focusing on strategic planning and mobilization to regain political power, the party continues to be embroiled in conflicts that only weaken its structure. The absence of discipline and mutual respect among party members has fueled internal wrangling, making the PDP appear unprepared for the 2027 presidential elections.
The crisis in the party is not new. From the days of former President Olusegun Obasanjo to Goodluck Jonathan, and even under the leadership of its former national chairmen, the PDP has always been characterized by infighting. However, the current wave of conflicts within the party suggests that it is at risk of further fragmentation, making it difficult to present a united front in the next election.
The crisis in the Bauchi State chapter of the PDP further exposes the deep divisions within the party. Former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, has accused Governor Bala Mohammed of manipulating the 2018 gubernatorial primaries, allegedly with the backing of former Rivers State Governor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. Dogara’s claims suggest that political maneuvering and undue influence played a role in determining the PDP’s governorship candidate.
This internal rift, if not managed properly, could cost the PDP Bauchi State in 2027. The party’s inability to resolve conflicts at the state level mirrors its broader national crisis, which is fueled by external influences and competing interests. Without a clear strategy for conflict resolution, the PDP risks losing key states due to factionalism and discontent among its stakeholders.
The situation within the PDP’s National Working Committee (NWC) further worsens the party’s image. The inability of the leadership to address internal grievances has led to accusations, betrayals, and disrespect among party members. At a recent Board of Trustees (BoT) meeting at the PDP National Secretariat in Abuja on January 29, 2025, the party’s National Chairman, Umar Damagum, openly expressed his dissatisfaction with some leaders who bypass his authority by directly engaging NWC members. This lack of coordination and respect for hierarchy within the PDP underscores its governance crisis.
The crisis within the NWC also points to the role of external forces influencing the party’s internal affairs. With different factions working against each other, the PDP is unable to present a unified front, further weakening its opposition stance ahead of the next election.
The South-East chapter of the PDP is currently embroiled in a leadership dispute, adding to the party’s national woes. Before the January 29 BoT meeting, tensions were high at Wadata Plaza as the South-East caucus reaffirmed its confidence in embattled National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu. The crisis stems from Anyanwu’s attempt to reclaim his position after stepping down to contest the Imo State governorship election.
His rival, S.K.E. Udeh-Okoye, has been backed by a favorable Court of Appeal ruling, but Anyanwu has filed an appeal and requested a stay of execution. This power struggle has further divided the South-East PDP, with factions aligning with either former Vice President Atiku Abubakar or Minister Nyesom Wike.
At a recent meeting in Enugu, key figures in the South-East PDP, including Governor Peter Mbah, reaffirmed support for Udeh-Okoye and Chief Ali Odefa, despite Odefa’s suspension being upheld by the Federal High Court in Abakaliki. This infighting continues to weaken the PDP’s influence in the region, raising concerns about its ability to maintain dominance in the South-East ahead of the 2027 elections.
The ongoing leadership crisis in the PDP is a sign of disrespect to Nigerian politics and democracy. Instead of positioning itself as a strong opposition party capable of challenging the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), the PDP remains trapped in internal power struggles, accusations, and conflicts.
For the PDP to remain relevant and competitive in 2027, it must address its internal crisis, promote discipline, and instill internal democracy. The party leadership must prioritize unity over personal interests and factional battles. Otherwise, the PDP risks further disintegration, making it easier for the APC to maintain power. If the opposition party cannot put its house in order, Nigerians may begin to lose faith in democracy, believing that no credible alternative exists.
The PDP must act swiftly to resolve its internal conflicts, rebuild trust among members, and present a coherent vision for Nigeria’s future. Failure to do so will only confirm suspicions that the party is unprepared to lead, making its chances of reclaiming power in 2027 even slimmer.
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