PDP on the Brink: Party Faces Imminent Collapse
ABUJA—The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is facing a deepening crisis that threatens its survival as Nigeria’s leading opposition party. A group of concerned stakeholders, operating under the aegis of the Conference of Professionals in Peoples Democratic Party (CPDP), has issued a call for urgent intervention to prevent the party from total collapse.
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Internal Conflicts and Divided Loyalties
The CPDP, after a thorough assessment of the party’s current situation, has identified major factors contributing to its decline. Chief among them is the issue of divided loyalty among its members. A key concern raised by the group is the involvement of some PDP members in the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) government, particularly former Rivers State governor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike. His continued role in the APC-led administration, while still claiming PDP membership, is seen as detrimental to the opposition party’s credibility.
“The contradiction of having a supposed PDP leader actively serving and promoting the APC government is a major factor in the weakening of our party,” said Obinna Nwachukwu, Protem National Coordinator of CPDP. “Wike’s endorsement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for re-election in 2027 is a clear case of anti-party activity that must not be tolerated.”
Leadership Crisis and Legal Battles
Another critical issue identified is the lack of strong leadership within the PDP. The party’s National Working Committee (NWC) has struggled to enforce discipline and unity, leading to internal rifts that threaten its stability. Additionally, a surge in legal battles initiated by party members against the party itself has further deepened divisions, creating an image of instability.
The CPDP warned that these unresolved disputes and judicial interventions are draining the party’s resources and weakening its ability to function as a formidable opposition.
Failure as an Opposition Party
The PDP’s role as the country’s main opposition party is also being questioned. Instead of effectively challenging the APC’s policies and governance, the party remains embroiled in internal conflicts. This has led to a loss of confidence among Nigerians who seek a viable alternative to the ruling party.
“The PDP must reclaim its position as a strong opposition party. The public is looking for leadership and direction, but internal disputes have distracted us from our core responsibilities,” Nwachukwu added.
Demands for Urgent Reforms
To salvage the PDP from further decline, the CPDP has outlined several urgent measures:
Immediate expulsion of PDP members serving in APC government: Individuals such as Wike must choose between their roles in the APC and their membership in the PDP.
Reinvigoration of leadership structures: The party must enforce internal discipline and reassert control over its members.
Revitalization of opposition strategies: The PDP must focus on offering policy alternatives and mobilizing grassroots support to challenge the APC effectively.
Urgent convening of the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting: The CPDP insists that the much-anticipated NEC meeting, scheduled for March 13, 2025, must proceed without delay to address pressing issues within the party.
Can the PDP Survive?
The PDP stands at a crossroads. Without swift and decisive action, the party risks fading into political irrelevance, allowing the APC to dominate unchallenged. The coming months will be crucial in determining whether the PDP can reclaim its status as a formidable political force or succumb to internal strife and strategic missteps.
The CPDP has reiterated its commitment to working towards the unity and stability of the PDP, urging all party members to prioritize the party’s survival over personal interests.
Reference
PDP on the Brink: Party Faces Imminent Collapse