PDP’s Leadership Crisis and Security Concerns
The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), led by Tanimu Turaki, recently convened to assess the nation’s security situation. The committee concluded that the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led Federal Government had failed to meet the expectations of Nigerians, particularly in ensuring the security of lives and property.
Turaki emphasized that the current administration had not fulfilled the basic expectations of citizens. He stated that the PDP called on President Bola Tinubu to review the country’s security architecture. “With the increasing cases of kidnappings and killings across the country, the APC-led government has not lived up to the expectations of Nigerians,” he said.
He further explained that the existing structure where governors are considered chief security officers but lack control over military and security personnel operating in their states needs to be overhauled. “Nigerians are not safe anywhere—on the streets, in their workplaces, markets, or homes. This situation of perpetual fear must change,” Turaki added.
The PDP also addressed the issue of Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, stating that they believed he remained a member of the party and expected him to participate in the governorship primaries. Turaki noted that while the NWC had not received any formal notification of Adeleke’s reported resignation, the party recognized his right to associate freely.
“We believe that every Nigerian, including Governor Adeleke, has the constitutional right to freedom of association. He is free to move in or out of any political party,” Turaki stated.
Expulsion of PDP Members
The NWC also reviewed the expulsion of 11 members of the party by the November 15 Ibadan convention, including the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike. The committee resolved to issue them certificates of expulsion to confirm their status as former members.
According to Turaki, this was done to ensure that these individuals could join other political parties without accusations of dual membership. “Now that they are no longer members of our party, and now that the National Convention has expelled them, we have decided to issue them certificates of expulsion,” he said.
The PDP urged security agencies and Nigerians not to engage with the expelled members on behalf of the party. “They are no longer members of the People’s Democratic Party. They have been expelled. You today are living witnesses to their certificates of expulsion,” Turaki emphasized.
Internal Struggles and Future Outlook
Despite internal wranglings, Turaki assured Nigerians and members that the PDP would bounce back to a position of prominence in national politics. “Once again, I want to assure Nigerians that the PDP is on the rise again, and there is no stopping us,” he said.
He reiterated the party’s commitment to transparency, fairness, and a level playing field. “We have promised since our assumption of office that we are taking this party back to the Nigerian people. This party is called the Peoples Party, and if it is the Peoples Party, then we must take it back to the people,” Turaki added.
Turaki acknowledged the challenges facing the party but stressed that the new leadership was determined not to give in to those seeking to destroy the PDP. “In a democracy, you should live and let others live,” he said.
Transition of Leadership
During the handover ceremony, Turaki appealed to Damagum and members of his NWC to continue supporting the new leadership. “We plead with you and members of your administration: you may be out, but you are not gone. We will need you to support us,” he said.
Damagum responded by affirming the PDP’s resilience. “The beauty of the PDP is its ability to surmount all obstacles we have faced, and to continue to overcome every challenge by doing what is right,” he said.
He expressed confidence in the party’s future, stating that it was still the party to beat in Nigeria. “Every day, we cross one hurdle; they place another before us, we cross it and continue. All this happens by God’s blessing,” Damagum added.
Ongoing Leadership Crisis
The PDP is currently embroiled in a leadership crisis between two camps, one led by Turaki and the other by Alhaji Mohammed Abdulrahman, a loyalist of FCT Minister Mr Nyesom Wike. The conflict escalated ahead of the November 15 National Elective Convention, with the Wike-backed camp opposing the process, citing violations of the party’s constitution and the Electoral Act.
Both factions have suspended and expelled key officials, including Wike, as each group fights for control. Two weeks ago, the crisis escalated when both camps clashed at the PDP National Secretariat in Abuja, forcing the police to fire tear gas after thugs invaded the premises.
Several staff and journalists were injured while attempting to escape the chaos. The secretariat remains sealed by the police as the power tussle intensifies.
