The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has struggled to regain national power after nine years and two unsuccessful attempts. Alhaji Umar Iliya Damagum, the acting national chairman, believes the party actually won both the 2019 and 2023 elections,Daily Trust reports.
Though he assumed the chairmanship after the 2023 presidential election, he has faced criticism for the party’s defeat. In an interview with Weekend Trust, Damagum acknowledged inheriting the party’s issues but chose to remain calm, hoping to aid the party’s recovery.
He stated, “When you have a divided party filled with unhappy members, my role is to take responsibility for all wrongdoings so that we can maintain unity.” Like his predecessors, Damagum has faced pressure due to the party’s challenges ahead of the 2027 elections.
Internal Divisions
The PDP is currently embroiled in a major internal crisis, with its leadership divided. Over the past year, the party has changed its leadership three times and has yet to elect a new chairman due to infighting. Since the exit of Iyorchia Ayu, the party has delayed the decision to elect a substantive national chairman, opting to let Damagum continue until the next National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting.
The party is split into two main factions: one led by former Vice President Alhaji Atiku Abubakar and the other by former Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike. Both sides remain entrenched in their positions. There is also a third emerging faction, led by Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, who is believed to be eyeing a presidential run.
Atiku’s camp supports electing a new chairman from the North-central zone, while Wike’s faction prefers Damagum to continue. The North-central region insists that the chairmanship should return to the zone since Ayu, the previous chairman, hailed from there. Despite a temporary resolution, there are concerns about whether the party can heal its divisions before the 2027 elections.
Recent defections, including those of former Senate President Anyim Pius Anyim and former Deputy Speaker Emeka Ihedioha, alongside threats from 60 federal lawmakers to leave if Damagum remains, underscore the party’s challenges.
Roots of the Crisis
The PDP’s leadership problems date back to 2015 when the party lost the presidency under Ahmadu Adamu Mu’azu’s chairmanship. His resignation led to further leadership disputes. Since then, the party has faced ongoing internal strife, including a legal battle between former Borno State Governor Ali Modu Sheriff and former Kaduna State Governor Ahmed Makarfi over the party’s leadership.
Despite attempts to stabilize, the PDP has struggled with leadership transitions, particularly after the contentious 2023 presidential primary, which saw Atiku Abubakar emerge as the party’s flag bearer. Wike, feeling betrayed by the process, demanded Ayu’s resignation, further deepening the party’s divide. Damagum believes the party’s downfall in 2015 began when it failed to address grievances over the presidency after Yar’adua’s tenure.
Discipline Issues
The PDP’s inability to enforce discipline among its members has worsened internal strife. Historically known for swift punishment of dissent, the party has struggled to hold members accountable in recent years. Prominent figures like Atiku Abubakar and state governors have been accused of working against party interests without facing consequences. The actions of the G-5 governors, led by Wike, are believed to have contributed to Atiku’s defeat in the 2023 elections.
Wike has continued to challenge the party, even after joining the All Progressives Congress (APC) and serving in President Bola Tinubu’s administration. Meanwhile, former Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom has expressed support for Tinubu’s potential re-election bid in 2027.
Efforts to Resolve the Crisis
In an effort to address its issues, the PDP’s National Executive Committee (NEC) has established reconciliation and disciplinary committees. The disciplinary committee, chaired by former Foreign Affairs Minister Chief Tom Ikimi, has begun inviting those accused of anti-party activities. However, some doubt whether the party will be able to hold its leaders accountable.
Former Governor Sule Lamido remarked, “The erring members are not ordinary citizens; they are former presidents, vice presidents, and governors who built the PDP. They should lead by example.”
Future Prospects
Despite its ongoing crisis, the PDP remains optimistic about its future. Party insiders believe that, despite external perceptions, the PDP still holds significant influence and could surprise in the 2027 elections. According to one party leader, interest in the party’s presidential ticket is high, with figures like Atiku Abubakar, Bala Mohammed, and even former President Goodluck Jonathan being floated as potential candidates.
The party has successfully held meetings of its National Working Committee and National Executive Committee, as well as congresses in 24 states. These developments, some argue, demonstrate that the PDP is still functioning effectively and remains a major political force in Nigeria.
