Former lawmaker and civil rights activist Shehu Sani has delivered a harsh assessment of the current state of the People’s Democratic Party, describing it as a “sinking ship.” Sani argued that the internal crisis rocking the main opposition party has rendered it incapable of providing a formidable challenge to the ruling APC. He noted that the constant infighting among the party’s top leadership is a clear sign of a political organization that has lost its soul and direction.
The failure of internal conflict resolution
According to Sani, the PDP has failed to learn from the mistakes that led to its loss of power in 2015 and its subsequent electoral defeats. He pointed out that the party’s mechanisms for resolving disputes have completely broken down, leading to a situation where every faction is working at cross-purposes. The former Senator believes that the lack of a clear ideology and a unified leadership is driving many committed members away from the umbrella.
He lamented that while the country is facing significant challenges that require a strong opposition voice, the PDP is busy with “ego trips” and “power struggles.” Sani noted that the party has spent more time in courtrooms than on the streets engaging with the voters on their needs and aspirations. This disconnection from the reality of the masses is what he believes is making the party increasingly irrelevant in the eyes of many Nigerians.
The emergence of new political alternatives
Sani warned that if the PDP continues on its current trajectory, it will soon find itself replaced by newer and more vibrant political movements. He mentioned that the Nigerian youth are looking for a platform that truly represents their interests and not just a vehicle for old politicians to recycle themselves. The activist argued that the political space is naturally averse to a vacuum and will always find a way to create a viable alternative to a failing establishment.
He challenged the remaining leaders of the party to put aside their personal ambitions and work toward a genuine reconciliation that puts the party first. However, he expressed skepticism about their ability to do so, given the level of bitterness and deep-seated animosity among the various factions. For Sani, the PDP is currently in a “vegetative state” that requires a miracle to revive before the 2027 general elections.
Implications for the Nigerian opposition space
The decline of the PDP has raised concerns about the health of the two-party system that has dominated Nigerian politics for over two decades. A weak opposition allows the ruling party to operate without the necessary checks and balances that are essential for a functioning democracy. Sani urged other smaller parties and civil society groups to start building a coalition that can fill the void being left by the “sinking” PDP.
As the political landscape continues to shift, the fate of the “biggest party in Africa” remains a subject of intense debate among pundits and citizens alike. Many believe that the party’s name has become synonymous with missed opportunities and internal chaos. Whether the PDP can plug the holes in its hull or if it is destined for the bottom of the political ocean remains to be seen.
