Food For Thought For PDP: Condemnation of the Call to Return to the Status Quo: A Dangerous Path for the PDP
The recent plea by the Board of Trustees (BoT) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to return to the status quo is a deeply flawed and dangerous recommendation. As Promoters of Good Governance, we strongly condemn this misguided advice, which we see as a ploy to weaken the party, compromise its future, and potentially lead to its demise within the Nigerian political landscape.
The current political crisis within the PDP, exacerbated by individuals like Nyesom Wike and his faction, is a threat to the very core of the party’s existence. Instead of taking bold steps to rectify the situation and defend the integrity of the party's constitution, the BoT's call for a return to the status quo signals a dangerous willingness to bow to destructive forces.
Wike's Agenda: A Plot to Undermine the PDP
It is no secret that Wike and his allies have embarked on an agenda to systematically weaken the PDP. Their actions, driven by personal ambition and vendettas, are designed to destabilize the party, sow discord among loyal members, and erode public confidence in the party's leadership. Wike’s influence over key members of the PDP’s leadership structure has become toxic, breeding division and chaos rather than fostering unity and progress.
The removal of the former PDP Chairman from the North Central region, Dr. Iyorchia Ayu, by Wike and his cronies, is a glaring example of this destructive influence. Ayu’s ousting was orchestrated without regard for the party’s constitution, a move that demonstrates Wike’s determination to assert himself as a small “god” within the party. The appointment of Umar Damagum, an individual who lacks the requisite legitimacy under the party’s constitution, is evidence of Wike's continued manipulation of the PDP’s leadership.
If this continues unchecked, we will witness the exodus of many loyal party members, leaving the PDP weakened and vulnerable ahead of the 2027 elections. The current trajectory is unsustainable, and unless decisive action is taken to curtail Wike’s influence, the PDP may face an existential crisis.
The Failure of the BoT: Complicity in the Party’s Decline
The Board of Trustees, led by Senator Adolphus Wabara, has failed to act in the best interest of the party. Rather than confronting the root cause of the crisis and challenging the unconstitutional actions taken by Wike and his faction, the BoT has chosen the path of appeasement. By calling for a return to the status quo, the BoT is essentially endorsing the reckless behavior that has brought the party to the brink of collapse.
Instead of providing strong leadership and defending the party’s core values, the BoT has allowed itself to be compromised by Wike’s influence. This is not only a betrayal of the PDP’s founding principles but also a disservice to the millions of Nigerians who look to the PDP as a beacon of hope for good governance and political stability.
The BoT’s inaction in the face of Wike’s growing power is alarming. Rather than holding Wike accountable for his role in the party’s current turmoil, the BoT is actively working to placate him, thus enabling his destructive agenda. The BoT must realize that returning to the status quo will not resolve the internal strife within the PDP; it will only embolden Wike and his faction to continue their campaign of division.
The Courts and Their Role in Perpetuating Injustice
It is also important to highlight the role of the courts in perpetuating this crisis. The issuance of what many have deemed “useless injunctions” has only served to deepen the internal conflict within the PDP. Instead of upholding the party’s constitution and ensuring that justice is served, the courts have become an instrument for individuals like Wike to manipulate the system to their advantage.
The judiciary must be impartial and uphold the rule of law, particularly in matters involving the internal workings of political parties. Unfortunately, in this case, the courts have failed to provide the necessary checks and balances, allowing Wike and his faction to exploit the legal system for their own gain.
The Destructive Influence of Wikeism
At this point, it is clear that the PDP is grappling with an ideological cancer that we have come to call “Wikeism.” This ideology, marked by selfishness, impunity, and a disregard for the collective good, has taken root within the party, spreading like a hurricane and leaving destruction in its wake. The BoT and the National Working Committee (NWC) must recognize the gravity of the situation and act swiftly to counter this threat.
The PDP cannot afford to allow a single individual, no matter how influential, to hold the party hostage. Wike’s ambitions are not aligned with the PDP’s long-term vision for Nigeria, and his continued presence at the helm of party affairs will only lead to further division and, ultimately, electoral failure.
A Call for Unity and Accountability
We, the Promoters of Good Governance, call on the loyal members of the PDP’s NWC and BoT to stand firm against the destructive forces within the party. It is time to reject the misguided call for a return to the status quo and, instead, embrace meaningful reforms that will restore integrity and unity to the party.
The PDP must rid itself of those who seek to undermine its progress for personal gain. The National Working Committee and the BoT must take decisive action to protect the party from the harmful influence of individuals like Wike, whose actions are driven by self-interest rather than the collective good.
Conclusion:
Enough is Enough
The future of the PDP is at stake. As we approach the 2027 elections, the party must focus on building a united front capable of challenging the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). The time for appeasement and compromise has passed. We must hold accountable those who seek to weaken the PDP from within and ensure that the party remains a strong and viable political force.
God will not allow the forces of division and destruction to succeed. The PDP must rise above these challenges and chart a new course for the future. Enough is enough. The time for action is now, and we call on all party faithful to join us in condemning the destructive agenda of Wike and his allies. Together, we can save the PDP and ensure a brighter future for Nigeria.
By Edison Ibianga
Coordinator, Promoters of Good Governance
October 11, 2024
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