APC Mocks PDP, Offers to Help Resolve Leadership Crisis
The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has extended an olive branch to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), offering to assist in resolving the ongoing leadership and internal conflicts that are threatening to destabilize the party.
The PDP, however, has reacted sharply to the offer, accusing the APC of being the main contributor to the crisis affecting its leadership.
The move comes amid growing concerns that the political ambitions of several high-profile figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, and Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, could further exacerbate the party’s crisis and disrupt the reconciliation efforts led by the Olagunsoye Oyinlola committee.
The PDP has been plagued by internal conflicts for over a year, with factions aligned with Atiku and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. Recently, Governor Mohammed signalled his intention to run for president in 2027, which could deepen the party’s crisis.
The situation worsened when Mohammed joined the dissenting voices advocating for the removal of PDP National Chairman, Umar Damagum. However, Mohammed expressed a willingness to withdraw from the presidential race if former President Goodluck Jonathan rejoined the party and ran for office.
Mohammed believes that Jonathan, with his extensive experience, would be well-positioned to restore the economy and lead effectively, given the dissatisfaction with President Bola Tinubu’s administration. However, Jonathan’s camp has remained silent, leading to speculation that he may not be interested in the proposal.
In the meantime, supporters of Wike have rallied behind Makinde as a potential candidate for the 2027 presidential election. Makinde, however, has publicly stated that he has not yet made a decision regarding his candidacy and will address his political future openly if necessary.
Reacting to the developments, APC National Publicity Director Bala Ibrahim said that the ruling party is concerned about the PDP’s internal crisis and is willing to assist if formally approached.
Ibrahim said, “We are looking at it from the outside and laughing at them. We look forward to a time when they will solicit our help on how to solve their problem. This should tell Nigerians that this is the kind of leadership they wanted to bequeath to the nation.”
He also accused the PDP of being a poor manager of crisis, saying that the party’s internal democracy is lacking. Ibrahim added that the APC has established the Progressive Institute, where people can enroll and be tutored on how to play politics under democracy.
However, the PDP expressed indignation at Bala’s comments, describing them as insulting. Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Ibrahim Abdullahi, accused the APC of sowing discord within the PDP.
Abdullahi said, “We have no time for them. Of course, we know they are laughing at us because of the few elements they are using to cause disharmony in our camp. To be honest, we deserve to be laughed at. You can’t blame them.”
Abdullahi also dismissed the APC’s offer to help, saying that the party has nothing to teach the PDP.
