Leadership Crisis Rocks PDP

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo State has suffered a significant blow as human rights lawyer, Niyi Aborisade, alongside top leaders and supporters from all 33 local councils, formally defected to the African Democratic Congress (ADC). This development is seen as a major setback for the PDP and a boost for ADC as political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections begin to take shape.

Defection of Top Leaders

Aborisade, a prominent figure in Oyo politics, attributed the defection to unresolved internal crises within the PDP, describing the party as increasingly incapable of presenting a credible candidate for the coming elections. Speaking at an official gathering in Ibadan, he said persistent factional disputes, lack of internal democracy and the refusal of key actors to listen to reason weakened the party’s structure and credibility.

Criticism of PDP and APC

Criticising the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Aborisade pointed to rising hunger, fuel scarcity, and unprecedented increases in food costs as evidence of the party’s failure to meet Nigerians’ expectations. “APC has lost public confidence. Nigerians are looking towards ADC as a credible alternative capable of delivering positive change,” Aborisade said.

Possible Resolution to Leadership Crisis

Former presidential candidate and chieftain of PDP, Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, said the leadership crisis could be resolved within one week if the leaders embraced political solutions instead of prolonged legal battles. Olawepo-Hashim expressed his optimism during a consultative meeting with the PDP National Chairman, Tanimu Turaki (SAN), as part of ongoing efforts to achieve an out-of-court resolution of the party’s internal dispute.

Olawepo-Hashim’s Proposal

The former presidential hopeful argued that a political settlement would better serve the party’s survival and strengthen Nigeria’s multi-party democracy. According to him, the PDP already has sufficient constitutional instruments to resolve the impasse without recourse to litigation. He cited Sections 3(1) and 3(4) of the PDP Constitution, which empower two-thirds of NEC members to convene a meeting, noting that the majority of NEC members were elected before the disputed Ibadan convention and therefore retain unquestionable legitimacy.

Ekiti Governorship Election Controversy

In Ekiti State, the party is planning to approach the court to compel the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to include its candidate in the list of contestants for the 2026 governorship election. The PDP accused INEC of bias, describing the exclusion of its candidate, Dr Oluwole Oluyede, as unjustified and contrary to established electoral procedures.

PDP’s Argument

The party stated that INEC was duly notified of and monitored the party’s governorship primaries in Ekiti, adding that the commission subsequently issued reports confirming that the exercise complied with relevant laws and guidelines. According to the party, INEC also released nomination portal codes to enable the submission of candidates’ details before allegedly blocking access to the portal a few days to the deadline, forcing the party to submit the nomination documents manually at INEC’s office, a submission it said was acknowledged by the commission.

Conclusion

The PDP is facing significant challenges, including a leadership crisis and controversy over the Ekiti governorship election. The defection of top leaders to the ADC has weakened the party, while the exclusion of its candidate in Ekiti has raised questions about the fairness of the electoral process. The party must find a way to resolve its internal disputes and address the concerns of its members in order to remain a viable opposition party.

FAQs

Q: What is the current state of the PDP in Oyo State?
A: The PDP in Oyo State has suffered a significant blow as human rights lawyer, Niyi Aborisade, alongside top leaders and supporters from all 33 local councils, formally defected to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Q: What is the cause of the leadership crisis in the PDP?
A: The leadership crisis is caused by unresolved internal crises, including persistent factional disputes and lack of internal democracy.
Q: What is the PDP’s plan to resolve the crisis?
A: The PDP is planning to approach the court to compel the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to include its candidate in the list of contestants for the 2026 governorship election in Ekiti State.
Q: Who is the PDP’s candidate for the Ekiti governorship election?
A: The PDP’s candidate is Dr Oluwole Oluyede.
Q: Why was the PDP’s candidate excluded from the list of contestants?
A: The PDP accused INEC of bias, describing the exclusion as unjustified and contrary to established electoral procedures.

Source: guardian.ng