The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) is currently embroiled in a leadership crisis that has left its stakeholders in turmoil. Many party members are pointing fingers at former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, blaming his perceived absence and lack of commitment for the ongoing challenges facing the party. A key member of the party, speaking on condition of anonymity, expressed that if Atiku had taken a decisive stand as a leading figure both before and after the recent elections, many of the issues plaguing the PDP could have been avoided.
This insider’s remarks come as tensions rise within the party, with some members exonerating former Rivers State Governor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, from blame. However, Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere countered this perspective, asserting that Wike has been actively undermining the PDP.
The anonymous party member criticized Atiku and several governors for neglecting the party, highlighting their failure to contribute financially and their tendency to disengage after elections, only to resurface as the next election cycle approaches. This pattern has left the PDP vulnerable and has exacerbated internal power struggles.
Ugochinyere also directed criticism towards the Acting National Chairman, Amb. Umar Damagum, and Wike, stating that internal leadership struggles must be resolved to restore unity within the PDP. He emphasized the need for adherence to party traditions and constitutional responsibilities, urging the leadership to call a National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting to address these pressing issues.
Amidst the chaos, party elders have issued warnings about the dangers of allowing the crisis to deepen. Former Minister of Special Duties, Tanimu Turaki, cautioned that failure to address the internal strife could spell the end for the PDP, which he described as vital for Nigeria’s democracy. Osaro Onaiwu, the pioneer Director General of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, echoed this sentiment, stressing the importance of discipline and a strategic approach to revitalize the party.
Deputy spokesman of the PDP, Ibrahim Abdullahi, expressed optimism about the party’s future, asserting that the PDP has endured numerous crises in its history and has the resilience to overcome the current challenges. He referred to the PDP as the “elephant in the house,” highlighting its enduring presence in Nigerian politics.
In a development, opposition lawmakers have rallied behind Yayari Ahmed Mohammed, who has been appointed as the new Acting National Chairman following the suspension of Damagum. This change has been met with jubilation among party faithful, who view it as a crucial step towards transforming the PDP and addressing the setbacks attributed to Damagum’s leadership.
With Bala Mohammed received Damagum in government house Bauchi and described him as an acting National Chairman crates another confusion shows all is not well with the entire process..
As the PDP prepares for its upcoming NEC meeting scheduled for October 24, 2024, stakeholders are urged to remain focused and united in their efforts to restore the party’s integrity and effectiveness ahead of the 2027 elections. The time for decisive action is now, as the PDP seeks to solidify its position as a formidable opposition party in Nigeria.