The PDP in Nigeria: A Toothless and Witless Opposition Party
By; Al Humphrey Onyanabo
The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Nigeria, once considered a formidable party and which should act as opposition to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), has become a feeble shadow chasing party. Abandoning its role and failing to address critical issues within the party and the nation, the PDP’s leadership has succumbed to opportunism and self-interest. It is high time true democrats within the party rise up to save it from sinking further into irrelevance.
Lack of Opposition Stance:
The PDP’s primary duty as the main opposition party in Nigeria is to hold the ruling APC accountable for its actions and policies. However, it seems the PDP has forgotten its role, as it fails to stand up against government excesses and ensure checks and balances. Instead, it lethargically looks on while Gov Sim Fubara, a PDP member, struggles alone against the might of the ruling party.
Silence on Rivers State:
A glaring example of the PDP’s ineptitude is its silence on the ongoing political turmoil in Rivers State. The party should be issuing statements in solidarity with its members and the people of Rivers State, who are facing numerous challenges. By neglecting its responsibility, the PDP showcases a shameful disregard for the welfare of its members and fails to provide effective opposition against the ruling party.
Decamping and Legislative Implications:
Recently, 25 lawmakers from the PDP defected to the APC. While legally, they cannot retain their legislative positions, the PDP remains ominously silent on this issue. Such disregard for the rule of law and failure of the PDP to address this matter demonstrates its lackadaisical attitude towards enforcing constitutional principles. The party’s inaction raises concerns about the high level of corruption and opportunism prevailing within its ranks.
Self-Serving Party Leadership:
The national leadership of the PDP appears more interested in conducting party primaries and collecting exorbitant sums from aspiring politicians, rather than focusing on important issues affecting the nation. This self-serving behavior only deepens the party’s descent into irrelevance, as it prioritizes personal gain over the welfare of its members and the overall progress of Nigeria.
The PDP Governors Forum:
Another toothless arm of the PDP is the once vibrant PDP Governors forum, expected to provide leadership and unity within the party with the strong forceful voice of it’s Governors, the Forum has unfortunately failed in this regard. Instead of standing united and supporting fellow party members, it has abandoned its brother Governor Sim Fubara to the whims and tricks of Gov. Wike.
The PDP Governors forum Secretariat in Abuja’s only apparent interest is celebrating individual election victories of it’s Governors and their birthdays, as witnessed in their prompt issuance of press statements solely for such occasions. Thereafter, it’s slide back into it’s shell. Why worry, Governors pay their monthly subventions and the wheel turns.
This behavior underscores the lack of genuine concern for party cohesion and the overall political landscape.
Call to Real Democrats:
In light of the pervasive shortcomings within the PDP, it is imperative for the party’s true democrats to rise up and rescue it from its current state of decay. Only by ousting self-serving opportunists and promoting principled leadership can the PDP regain its position as a strong opposition party. Without dedicated members who prioritize the nation’s well-being over personal gain, the PDP will remain a mere shadow of its former self.
In Conclusion,
The PDP’s descent into a toothless and witless shadow-chasing party of opportunists has left many true democrats within the party disheartened. Its failure to fulfill its role as the main opposition and the absence of solidarity with its members and the nation of Rivers State reveal a lack of leadership and commitment. It is time for real democrats in the PDP to heed the call and rebuild the party on a foundation of integrity and genuine opposition to move Nigeria forward.
By; Al Humphrey Onyanabo ( The StoryTeller)
Tel; 07054674906
Email Nigeria360online@gmail.com
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