Following the Peoples Democratic Party’s series of losses in off-season elections in recent times, STEVE UZOECHI writes that the earlier the opposition party gets its leadership right, the better for the country, as it prepares for its crucial meeting this week
The political landscape in Nigeria, particularly for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has been tumultuous, characterised by a series of electoral defeats that raise serious questions about leadership efficacy and strategic direction. Under the stewardship of Umar Damagum, who assumed the acting chairmanship of the party following the exit of Iyorchia Ayu, the PDP has experienced notable losses in Kogi, Edo, and Ondo states.
These defeats highlight not just electoral mismanagement but also reflect the internal discord and disunity within the party, notably exacerbated by the controversial figure of Nyesom Wike, former Governor of Rivers State. Right now, the party has almost lost Rivers State, as the governor’s fate is hanging on a series of litigation.
With critical elections on the horizon, particularly in Osun State, the PDP faces a looming threat of further failures unless substantial changes are made, especially against the backdrop of APC’s boast to capture both Osun and Ondo in the next elections.
PDP’s decline
The PDP, once the dominant political party in Nigeria, which governed for 16 years, controlling most of the states of the country, sat pretty with the intention to rule for 60 years. However, it has struggled significantly since its last presidential election victory in 2011. Massive defections from the party and sundry internal wranglings have affected the party adversely.
Key to understanding the recent electoral defeat is the quality of leadership under the acting chairman, Umar Damagum. His administration has been marked by allegations of divisiveness, willful indecision and lack of strategic vision necessary to resonate with voters across various states.
Interestingly, at the National Assembly Caucus meeting of the party last Wednesday, Senate Minority Leader and Caucus leader, Senator Abba Moro addressed concerns about the party’s recent setbacks and ongoing efforts to prepare for future electoral challenges.
He claimed that the PDP remains resilient despite recent losses, including gubernatorial elections, and that it’s strategizing to strengthen the party, but dismissed claims that Damagu’s leadership has been detrimental to the party.
“We discussed the affairs of the party, particularly as we approach a critical meeting of the National Executive Council (NEC) to take vital decisions on the state of the PDP. We are intensifying efforts to ensure the party grows stronger and prepares for subsequent elections without distractions.”
Moro expressed concern over the state of Nigeria’s democracy and the conduct of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and promised to ensure that mandates stolen from the people, like in Edo State, are restored. To him, failure should become a mechanism for future success.”
Kogi State: A testament to internal strife
The Kogi governorship election of 2023 epitomised the challenges faced by the PDP. The party entered the race with high hopes but was ultimately defeated. Several factors contributed to this loss, most notably the electability of party’s candidate, Sen Dino Melaye and internal strife that marked the party’s campaign.
Regrettably, Damagum’s leadership has often been characterized by conflicting interests among party members. This fragmentation diluted the party’s messaging and made it challenging to present a united front to the electorate.
Furthermore, Kogi State’s landscape is politically complex, with strong incumbent forces from opposing parties, particularly the All Progressives Congress (APC). The APC’s strategic alliances and its firm grip on state mechanisms outmaneuvered the PDP’s attempts at rallying support. In recent years, Kogi has seen increasing polarization, with ethnic and regional sentiments playing heavily into electoral outcomes. The PDP’s failure to address these dynamics under Damagum’s watch further alienated potential voters from the party.
Edo State: Missteps and missed opportunities
Edo State represents another chapter of misfortunes for the PDP under Damagum. In the 2020 gubernatorial election, the PDP had reason to believe it could reclaim power from the APC, mainly following a successful campaign that leveraged the popularity of its candidate, Godwin Obaseki, who defected from the APC. However, the internal rift highlighted by Wike’s unwillingness to compromise with party factions culminated in a lack of cohesive strategy going into the election.
The repercussions of this internal discord became clear as the party lost its narrative. Wike’s perceived personal grievances against certain party leaders and rival factions, including the ongoing friction with Atiku Abubakar, dramatically undermined the party’s political appeal in Edo. With no clear vision or message coming from Damagum’s leadership, the voters were left disillusioned, leading to the PDP narrowly losing the election, which should have been a straightforward win for the party.
Ondo State: A crisis of identity
The Ondo State election further highlighted the string of electoral misfortunes for the PDP. Once again, the party’s strategic errors, fuelled by Damagum’s leadership style, resulted in a disappointing performance. Ondo had long been viewed as a state where the PDP could root itself; however, a series of strategic blunders diminished this aspiration. The indifference displayed by Damagum, particularly in rallying grassroots support, proved fatal.
Compounded by Wike’s controversies, primarily his harsh critiques directed at party leadership, the PDP entered the Ondo elections severely stretched and weakened. The party’s inability to resolve internal conflicts effectively and present a united front hindered any chance of consolidating its voter base. The contrasting strategies employed by the APC, which effectively utilized propaganda and grassroots mobilization, clearly turned the tide against the PDP’s disjointed campaign efforts under Umar Damagum’s leadership.
Wike’s double-edged sword
While Nyesom Wike’s influence within the PDP has been acknowledged as both a strength and a weakness, his recent confrontations and tough stance against the leadership exacerbate the party’s internal conflicts. His criticisms of the national leadership, combined with his personal ambition and regional loyalty, create a chaotic atmosphere within the party. Wike’s refusal to back down regarding party decisions has led to factions emerging and further complicating electoral strategies and fortunes.
In many ways, Wike embodies the internal strife of the PDP, serving as a rallying point for dissenting voices while also alienating those who seek stability and unity. His influence in states like Rivers and the surrounding regions was initially advantageous, but the negative fallout from his confrontations with the party’s leaders and stakeholders has caused significant collateral damage.
Osun: Will PDP goof again?
Looking forward, the question that looms largest for the PDP now is whether Osun State will fall victim to the same pattern of defeat seen in Kogi, Edo, and Ondo. The upcoming gubernatorial elections in Osun have the potential to entrench the party’s downward trajectory, if issues surrounding leadership and unity remain unaddressed.
Osun presents a unique battleground where historical affiliations, voter sentiment, and the party’s past performance could play significant roles. However, the ongoing schisms within the PDP could be detrimental. The consequences of Damagum’s inability to unify the factions led by influential figures like Wike may lead to a repeat of past mistakes. If the party’s internal cohesion does not improve, the likelihood of losing Osun grows ever more pronounced.
Can the PDP regain lost ground?
For the PDP to reverse its fortunes, significant strategic changes must be implemented. Fundamental to this, is addressing the internal conflict that has beleaguered the party under Damagum’s leadership. The party must adopt a more inclusive approach, encouraging dialogue among its factions and acknowledging the diverse interests of its members.
Furthermore, developing a coherent and resonant campaign strategy that builds on the existing grassroot structures while leveraging the digital and technological advances in political campaigning can help regain voter-confidence. Engaging with the populace on critical issues – such as economic revitalization, healthcare, education, security and issues of food and hunger – should dominate the PDP’s messaging in future elections.
Additionally, reevaluating Wike’s role and addressing the concerns he has raised concerning the party leadership could bear dividends. Rather than sidelining influential members, the party must find ways for these leaders to contribute productively without derailing collective ambitions.
Leadership crisis
But some leaders of the party believe otherwise. It was far from baffling, therefore, when former National Publicity Secretary of the PDP. Mr. Kola Ologbondiyan, called on the party to adhere to the time-tested succession arrangement as provided for in Section 47 (6) of the PDP Constitution, 2017 (as amendment).
Ologbondiyan, noted that respect for the Constitution of the party remains the only pathway to fixing the issues in PDP and pave the way to fix Nigeria, and “anything outside of this demand will end up an exercise in futility.”
Ologbondiyan noted that Damagum, and his backers, should allow PDP to be fixed so that Nigeria can also be fixed. According to him, Damagum must not be encouraged to disrespect the soul of the party as embodied in the various organs of the PDP.
He noted that the NEC of the party took a decision at its 98th meeting to consider the demand of the North Central at the 99th meeting scheduled last August, which was later postponed, alleging the several postponements by the National Working Committee (NWC) was an aberration and disrespect to the constitutional order of the party.
The former spokesperson advised party leaders of the party not to allow the November 28 NEC to be wished away like the previously scheduled dates, and urged the stakeholders to prevail on Damagum to revert to his elected position of Deputy National Chairman (North) and save the party the consequences of lawlessness in the party.
“It is trite wisdom that as long as Damagum is being encouraged to continue to sit on the position of North Central, the concept of fixing the PDP will be mere lip service that can cause the party more harm”, he said.
Last lines
The series of defeats experienced by the PDP under Damagum’s leadership serve as a grim reminder of the consequences of disunity and the absence of decisiveness in contemporary Nigerian politics. Kogi, Edo, and Ondo have demonstrated that strategic blunders, particularly in the face of a formidable opposition, can prove catastrophic. As the party approaches critical elections in Osun State, the imperative for change is clearer than ever.
Observers are of the view that only through corrective measures, strategic recalibration, and concerted efforts towards internal unity can the PDP hope to emerge from its current malaise and reclaim its position as a formidable force in Nigeria’s political arena. The window to revamp the party is open with the meeting this week, but the potential for resurgence remains, provided the lessons from past defeats are fully embraced.
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