Since 2015 when the Peoples Democratic Party ( PDP) lost power, the party has been dealing with persistent factionalized battles and structural defectiveness. This crisis has led to high profile defections and the challenges of being an effective opposition party.
The PDP unfortunately has been navigating deep seated internal division, fighting for the control of leadership structure and zoning arrangements.The ‘umbrella’ started leaking as high profile members started leaving in droves because the party lost cohesion, purpose and capacity to provide leadership for its members.
The former Rivers state governor, Nyesom Wike and current governor of Oyo state, Seyi Makinde are the central figures in the party’s crisis, instability and the battle for the control of the party structures while working openly against the interest and internal cohension in the party.
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The PDP has unfortunately become a ‘rudderless ship’ where things has fallen apart. Amid these many troubles, the party is still claiming it is repositioning itself for 2027 elections with leaders saying they are ready to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress ( APC).
However, to further compound the PDP problems, the party received a devastating blow as its November 15, 2025 National Convention in Ibadan, Oyo state was declared null and void by a Federal High Court on Friday January 30, 2026. This has exacerbated the already charged political atmosphere in the PDP. This court ruling was the latest twist in the prolonged and unending leadership tussle that has bedeviled the party since 2023 when it lost the general election.
Due to these crises, the PDP has been sharply divided with rival factions holding parallel meetings, issuing suspensions and expulsions and multiple court battles that has weakened the foundation of the party ahead future electoral contest.
As the drama unfolds, political watchers and analysts has opine that the PDP has been overwhelmed by deep seated internal fractures, persistent conflicts and unresolved crises that has eroded unity, organizational discipline which has made it impossible for the party to provide credible leadership both at state and national levels.
Where do we go from here? Beyond the PDP’s battle for political survival, it is instructive to note that Nigeria needs a very strong opposition that can give APC and ADC, a run for their money. But for the PDP to effectively play the opposition role, it needs to reform, refocus and reposition itself. It is time for the party and its leadership to be honest with itself. To continue to live in self-denial could be tantamount to a self- inflicted injury and impudence that could put the party into irreversible oblivion.
Gabriel Oyevesho-Daniel can be reached via: oyeveshodaniel@gmail.com
