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PDP Must Evolve, ‘Drop’ the Past, Embrace the Future

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By Ikenna Ellis-Ezenekwe, Abuja

It has become extremely difficult for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to operate in the current political climate in Nigeria where the political demography has shifted considerably away from the period when the PDP held sway of the affairs of the country. This is due to its inability to shake off the cobwebs from its past, largely due to its unwillingness to move beyond its terribly outdated methodologies and personalities.

Recently, the national news dailies and electronic media were agog with news about operators within PDP auguring to reposition their principal for the top position ahead of 2027 presidential elections. Particularly, the political handlers of Alhaji Atiku Abubakar were spread out in virtually all the media houses to present their principal as the PDP candidate.

Although the principal himself did not comment openly on the public discourse of his vying again for the presidential seat, he however, did not shun his operators to desist from marketing his candidacy to the general public. He allowed the discourse, almost as though to encourage the insensitivity to the untold hardships currently bedeviling the country, the insensitivity to the astronomic inflation in everyday food prices, and the activities surrounding the day-to-day survival of Nigerians.

This insensitivity to the plight of Nigerians owing to callous greed and blind quest for power defines the group that currently holds the PDP firmly by its jugular. They are termed the “Old PDP” – the ones that refuse to embrace the future for a new PDP. They consist of the part of PDP that has refused to embrace the new realities of the changing times. In their understanding, the PDP serves solely as means to power rather than means to deliver good governance.

From all indications, what the operators of the “Old PDP” appears to be preoccupied by is the battle for the top seat at the Presidential Villa, and not the alleviation of the suffering of the masses who appear increasingly unable to provide two square meals a day or pay the tuition fees for their children in schools or even pay their way to and from work. The need to play the role of opposition party in the manner it needs to do as the leading opposition party in the country evades them.

For this reason, the PDP must be born again.

A new PDP devoid of the shenanigans who gave way to repeated failures at the national stage since the defeat of its national flagbearer and ex-President of Nigeria, Dr. Goodluck Ebelemi Jonathan by the then opposition party, the All Progressive Congress (APC), is what will reposition the party to the people of Nigeria as the people’s party. The old PDP in its old way of doing things has repeatedly fielded the same presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar since Jonathan was defeated at the polls in 2015. Interestingly, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar has exhibited the capacity to fail politically more than any presidential candidate in the history of modern Nigeria. He has participated in virtually all the presidential contests in some capacity and has failed to bring the bacon home each time. Atiku Abubakar epitomizes the past.

Again, the new born-again PDP must step away from the past to examine a new template for leadership selection.

Nigeria is populated with over 200million people and gifted with adequate human resources. Leadership selection ought not revolve around one person or a few persons. The new PDP must shy away from tying itself to a single politician’s aspiration. It must create an environment for open growth and new talents to help breed new life into the party.

Furthermore, the party must re-visit its stance on regional sensitivities with respect to leadership selection. The geo-dynamics in the polity has changed considerably since the formulation of the PDP. New comers with proven track records should be accommodated and allowed to showcase themselves.

This inability to untie itself from the personal aspiration of Atiku Abubakar led the PDP in a quagmire too potent to resolve.

Unarguably, this resulted from what transpired in the period leading up to the 2023 presidential elections when the PDP tied its destiny to the private political aspiration of Atiku Abubakar, thus leading to the abandonment of the party by Mr Peter Obi – and to some extent, Nyesom Wike – who decided to support the candidacy of the APC presidential candidate in the person of Bola Tinubu. The reactionary actions of both Peter Obi and Nyesom Wike is believe by many to have eventually led to the defeat of the PDP at the polls. Resultantly, Tinubu has rewarded Nyesom Wike with the juicy ministerial position as the Federal Minister for the Federal Capital Territory [FCT] — a position he holds while still remaining a PDP member and daring the PDP leadership to expel him from the party.

Surprisingly, the PDP appears stuck in limbo, still unable to untangle itself from the quagmire.

Howbeit, if the PDP must move forward, it must retool and learn to become an opposition party. In the over eight years it stayed out of power, the PDP has yet to recover from the shock of the 2015 defeat, and thus has yet to embrace the task of opposition party, a task it must embrace and rightly perform if it must or intends to recover power from the ruling party, APC.

Finally, PDP, as a political party must look to the people and have them at the back of their minds in every step and action it takes. It must see and feel the pain of the people not from a distance but from within. Until one understands the root of his problem, he may end up not achieving any solution to it. After all, it was Albert Einstein who said We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them.

Ikenna Ellis Ezenekwe is the publisher of 247ureports.

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Opinion

Kano APC Crisis: An Open Letter to President Tinubu

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I hope this letter finds you well Your Excellency. As Nigeria stands at a critical crossroads, I write to you today as a concerned and dedicated member of the All Progressives Congress in Kano, compelled by the urgency of our nation’s challenges and aware of your unwavering determination to steer it unto the path of greatness.

But a united front is indispensable in achieving your grand plan for the nations success. Internal party crisis in my dear state, threatens the very foundation upon which your vision lies – unity – and this I write to you today, eager spark meaningful dialogue and constructive action on your part.

Mr. President, as the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces and leader of our party, your urgent intervention is crucial to address the pressing issues at hand. If left unattended, it may escalate into a crisis that could have far-reaching and devastating consequences for the party, making it challenging to manage. Your timely action would help mitigate this risk and ensure the party’s stability.

In Kano, it is generally acknowledged that Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, former governor and current National Chairman, leads our party. Members have consistently shown loyalty to his leadership since day one.

You will also recall that Dr. Ganduje actively supported your presidential bid, demonstrating a pure, genuine and unmixed commitment to your cause during both the presidential primaries and general elections. However, some individuals now seek to drive a wedge between you and the Chairman, feeling threatened by his influential position as the National Chairman of our great party.

Mr President sir, It is imperative to hold the Deputy President of the Senate Barau Jibrin accountable for plunging the All Progressives Congress into an avoidable crisis since taking office. As a seasoned politician and senator representing Kano North since 2015, his actions have significant implications. Barau Jibrin’s leadership has sparked division within the party, necessitating urgent attention to prevent further escalation.

Due to the recent removal of Abdullahi Muhammad Gwarzo as Minister, the All Progressives Congress is facing an unprecedented crisis in Kano North, a stronghold of the party since 2015. This division, fueled by Deputy President of the Senate Barau Jibrin’s actions, threatens the party’s stability. As a leader, Mr. President, it’s crucial to address this issue sustainably.

Barau Jibrin’s political strategy and human relations have been questionable, yet his influence led to the sacking of a loyal minister, Gwarzo. This decision was disheartening, considering Gwarzo’s impressive track record as a generous, humble, and grassroots politician. The people of Kano are upset, and rightfully so.

It’s essential to recognize Barau Jibrin’s intentions. He’s only loyal to you, Mr. President, because of your current position. History shows he’ll turn against you once you’re no longer in office. His self-serving nature is evident in his interactions with grassroots politicians.

To pacify the people and resolve the ongoing crisis, reappointing Gwarzo is imperative. This move will demonstrate your commitment to loyalty and fairness. The APC’s future in Kano North depends on it.

Mr. President, to ensure the party is back on track, it is crucial to prioritize collaboration with loyalists and consider the input of key stakeholders in Kano. This means moving away from decision-making that caters to a single individual who claims control over Kano North. Instead, foster an inclusive approach that values diverse perspectives and promotes unity within the party.

By doing so, you’ll not only strengthen the party’s foundation but also demonstrate your commitment to fairness and representation. This approach will help prevent unnecessary conflicts and ensure that the party’s interests are truly served. It’s essential to recognize that the party’s success relies on collective efforts, not individual interests.

For your information Mr President, Barau’s electoral successes can be attributed to the popularity of the House of Representatives candidates from his Senatorial District. These individuals are widely admired and respected by their constituents. However, rather than leveraging his own strengths, Barau has consistently relied on the goodwill and reputation of these candidates to secure his own victories, essentially seeking shelter under their umbrella.

It’s not yet too late for the President to do the needful for the interest of Kano State and the party at large. With the weight of history and the hopes of a generation on your shoulders, I urge you to confront the harsh realities that threaten our collective progress.

Nabahani Yusuf Gogori writes from Gogori town in Bagwai

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Opinion

Unmasking Excellence : Idris Abdulkadir Zare’s (Jagora) Leadership Style

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By Abba Anwar

Without any doubt, Idris Abdulkadir Zare’s name rings bell in Kano politics, particularly, in his political zone, Kano South. It rings bell not because he is terrifying, but simply because, his name, alone, signifies examplary leadership, selfless service to humanity, genuine loyalty and un-arguable commitment for the survival of the party, All Progressives Congress (APC), in this context.

While he is not a seeker of any elective public office, or party position, as I study him and his political antecedents, he believes, supporting party leadership and followership is one of the surest ways of strengthening the party, against all odds. I kindly call my readers to go to Rogo and substantiate my submission.

Here is a lone Jagora (leader) who spends from his hard earned resources to support the party without thinking of getting anything from anybody, no matter how highly placed, that person could be. His magnanimous touches go beyond party lines. Go to Rogo and seek for more clarification.

If Kano APC is really serious about mending fences, gaining more grassroot support, bouncing back in pre, during and post 2027, people like Idi Zare must be on board. I never met this gentleman. In fact I don’t even know his face, anyway. I come from Dala local government, Kano Central. But I came to know about him for quite sometime now.

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He, unlike many of our politicians, made his fortunes outside government. But he spends stupendously in people’s welfare, needs and loyalty. One good thing about him, is, while engaging in such activities, he is not vying for any position. Meaning, this gentleman is acting the script of his good heart. He is indeed a morale booster from whatever standpoint you look at him.

This is somebody whose loyalty is not dangling. He supports what he believes in, with all his heart. By whatever standard, Zare is a Phoenix. And trains people to become that.

I caption this piece, as Unmasking Excellence… because, here is a strong party man, whose support and faith in the party and beyond, are more or less, left near lowest ebb. If we can have enough Zare’s replica from all our political zones, in Kano, regret and backwardness could be things of the past. No doubt about this!

I can also understand that, even among our APC strong men in the state, only those of them who are more loyal and sensitive to the welfare of the party members, are the ones that understand his (Zare) worth and work with him hand in hand, for the survival of the party, in the state and the nation in general.

Zare’s clear understanding of political cohesion as a recipe for good governance gives him more courage to see to the welfare and unassuming political engagement with the view to bring all politicians to state growth and development.

The issue goes beyond dishing out resources to people for massaging the economic hardship, he helps in perfecting people’s transportation network, via the provision of vehicles for their personal use. He recently distributed cars and motorbikes for his people. Not because he got a single Kobo from any government institution. He uses his hard earned money to do what he sincerely believes in.

He is also being disturbed by the economic hardship plaguing the society. Which makes hunger more visible than before. That makes him to be up and doing in cushioning the effect of this ugly experience. He distributes foodstuff on frequent basis. To help body and soul live together.

Zare Jagora is not any super human being, only that he believes in making people happy. While being interested in developing his people, without recourse to any ambition or expectations, he believes when man is developed, all other systems can work in harmony to each other.

If and only if, APC as a strong party in Kano, and the nation in general, is really interested in victory, strength and service to humanity, Zare’s legacy and immense contributions to humanity should not be downgraded to the bottom of the ladder.

Anwar was former Chief Press Secretary to the former Governor of Kano State, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje and can be reached at fatimanbaba1@gmail.com

November 4th, 2024

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Opinion

Northern Nigeria’s Silence Amidst Rising Injustices: A Call for a Return to Principled Leadership

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The worsening security situation in Northern Nigeria is no longer merely a concern—it has become a full-blown crisis threatening the lives and liberties of millions. Kidnapping, once considered the work of hardened criminals, is now perceived as a lucrative trade. Even more disturbing is the encroachment of this practice into governance, with reports of state authorities detaining citizens under questionable circumstances, particularly young protesters. These developments raise difficult questions about the strength and integrity of leadership in Northern Nigeria and leave us wondering whether the region still has leaders who genuinely represent its people.

The recent detention of minors, allegedly in unhealthy conditions, illustrates this chilling trend. These young individuals were reportedly taken by the authorities while engaging in a protest to call for better governance. Their alleged crime? Waving a foreign flag, in this case, the Russian flag, which authorities deemed treasonous. They did so, perhaps naively, without recognizing the potential implications, yet the state treated them with severity, reportedly requiring a staggering N10 million per person as bail. In contrast, individuals in Southern Nigeria have raised foreign flags and voiced secessionist sentiments without facing equivalent punishments.

This discrepancy raises difficult questions about the consistency of the law and whether it is applied equally across the country. Why are Northern youth held to such strict standards while similar actions in other regions seem to be treated with leniency? Historically, the North was known for its stalwart leaders—individuals who stood up for the people, challenged the government when necessary, and never allowed the region to be compromised. Leaders like Sir Ahmadu Bello, the Sardauna of Sokoto, Alhaji Tafawa Balewa, and Malam Aminu Kano left a legacy of dignity, integrity, and advocacy for Northern interests. These figures prioritized the wellbeing of their people, standing up against exploitation and injusticeTheir voices resonated across Nigeria, leaving an indelible mark on the nation’s political landscape. Today, however, the lack of a unified voice from Northern leaders is disheartening. In the past, these leaders would not have hesitated to demand justice for the detained minors or to negotiate on behalf of their people. Now, the silence of Northern elites on issues like insecurity, youth incarceration, and poor governance has left a void. Instead of elders standing firmly to shield and protect the region’s youth, we are witnessing a tragic indifference that has left many young people feeling abandoned. This crisis of leadership in Northern Nigeria has had severe consequences. Kidnapping and banditry are ravaging communities, youth are disillusioned, and the voices of the people are ignored or, worse, suppressed.

The North is bleeding, and without intervention, the situation will continue to deteriorate. To the elders of the North, if indeed they still exist in spirit and purpose, it is time to rise. The North needs a collective, principled voice to stand against injustice and ensure that the region’s youth are protected and that their futures are not sacrificed to lawlessness or state oppression. The need for Northern Nigeria to reclaim its dignified, protective, and principled leadership has never been more urgent. It is time to break the silence.

Abubakar Ibrahim can be reach via:

habuibrahim76@gmail.com
+2348098454956

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