Introduction to the Crisis in PDP
The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has continued its harvest of opposition politicians with the official reception of Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State into its fold. This move comes alongside the defection of two senators, members of the House of Representatives, and 22 out of the 24 members of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly. Diri’s decision to leave the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was not taken lightly, and he cited the party’s hijack by undertakers bent on destroying it as a primary reason.
Reasons Behind Diri’s Defection
Diri stated that his defection was not for personal or partisan reasons but a strategic move in the interest of Bayelsa and the Ijaw nation. He declared that his decision carried along the Ijaw people across Delta, Edo, Ondo, Rivers, and other states, who have resolved to support President Bola Tinubu and his administration. The construction of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road, the second phase of the Nembe-Brass road, and a N4 billion tax waiver granted the state when he procured the 60 megawatt gas turbine, were among the developmental initiatives that influenced his decision.
Impact of Diri’s Defection on APC and PDP
With Diri’s defection, the number of APC-controlled states ahead of the 2027 general elections has risen to 25, giving the party dominance in five South-South states, three in the South-East, four in the South-West, five in the North-West, three in the North-East, and five in the North-Central. This development has also increased the party’s strength in the National Assembly beyond the two-thirds majority threshold. On the other hand, the PDP has suffered a significant loss, with many of its key members defecting to the APC.
Reaction from APC Leaders
Vice President Kashim Shettima declared Diri as the new leader of the APC in Bayelsa, in line with the party’s constitution. The APC National Chairman, Nentawe Yilwatda, President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum and Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodimma, and business mogul, Senator Ben Murray-Bruce, commended Diri for his courage and statesmanship in joining the ruling party.
PDP’s Internal Crisis
Supporters of the PDP’s National Working Committee (NWC), led by Iliya Damagum, have condemned the recent wave of defections by some elected officials, describing the development as destabilizing and harmful to party unity. They also criticized what they termed "dubious and predictable" court judgments, saying such rulings have further deepened the crisis within the opposition party. The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has launched a blistering attack on the party’s leadership, accusing key figures in the NWC of corruption, impunity, and gross abuse of the party’s constitution.
Wike’s Criticism of PDP Leadership
Wike lamented what he described as the hijack of the party by "corrupt elements and political task collectors." He accused Damagum of lacking integrity and presiding over a regime of deceit. Wike said the PDP had lost its moral compass and was being run in violation of its own constitution. He warned that the party could face a constitutional crisis if the planned national convention, slated for November 15–16, was not conducted in line with due process.
Conclusion
The defection of Governor Douye Diri and other PDP members to the APC has significant implications for the political landscape of Nigeria. The PDP’s internal crisis, characterized by impunity, corruption, and abuse of the party’s constitution, has led to a loss of trust among its members. As the 2027 general elections approach, the APC’s dominance in various regions and its increased strength in the National Assembly position it as a strong contender. The PDP, on the other hand, must address its internal issues and work towards regaining the trust of its members and the electorate.
FAQs
- Why did Governor Douye Diri defect from the PDP to the APC?
Diri defected due to the PDP’s hijack by undertakers bent on destroying it and to support President Bola Tinubu’s administration. - What is the current number of APC-controlled states?
The number of APC-controlled states has risen to 25. - Who has been declared as the new leader of the APC in Bayelsa?
Vice President Kashim Shettima declared Governor Douye Diri as the new leader of the APC in Bayelsa. - What is the reaction of the PDP’s NWC to the recent wave of defections?
The PDP’s NWC has condemned the defections, describing them as destabilizing and harmful to party unity. - What are Wike’s criticisms of the PDP leadership?
Wike has accused the PDP leadership of corruption, impunity, and gross abuse of the party’s constitution, and has warned of a potential constitutional crisis if the national convention is not conducted in line with due process.
