The People's Democratic Party (PDP), once a dominant force in Nigerian politics, finds itself grappling with an existential crisis as it moves towards the year 2025. The challenges of 2024 have underscored the party's steady decline, marked by internal discord, waning influence, and the inability to present itself as a credible opposition.
A major factor contributing to the PDP's problems is the persistent leadership crisis. The contentious 2022 presidential primaries, which pitted former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Rivers State Governor and now Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike, set the stage for a protracted discord. This tension erupted into open divisions, with the infamous G5 governors, led by Wike, breaking ranks and supporting opposition candidates during the 2023 elections.
Internal crisis
The 2024 PDP's internal crises arise from unresolved grievances, particularly those originating in the 2023 presidential primaries. Wike's discontent with Atiku's candidacy has persisted to this day, at times dividing the leadership national in two factions. This public disagreement underscores a broader issue: the PDP's inability to enforce internal discipline. Members routinely criticize party decisions without consequences, fostering a culture of impunity that undermines unity. The removal of Senator Iyorchia Ayu as the party's national chairman further destabilized the PDP, leaving a vacuum that the acting national chairman, Umar Damagum, has struggled to fill. His indecisiveness, his perceived loyalty to Wike and his inability to address internal grievances have deepened factionalism. The main opposition party now exists as a fractured entity, divided into rival camps, each vying for control. This lack of cohesion has paralyzed decision-making, hampering any meaningful reconciliation or unified strategy. Leadership struggles further exacerbate these problems. Damagum's refusal to resign despite calls for new leadership has intensified divisions. The party's failure to convene its National Executive Committee (CNE) for critical decision-making since April 2024 illustrates the paralysis within its ranks. Without substantial leadership, the PDP remains adrift, unable to chart a path forward.
Decreased public support
The PDP's appeal among voters has steadily declined, particularly in the South East, where it has lost significant ground to the Peter Obi-led Labor Party and, of late, to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) through of defections, which have compounded the problem, highlighting a widespread loss of confidence in the party's ability to lead. This erosion of support is not limited to a single region. Across Nigeria, the PDP is increasingly seen as an empty shell or a party lacking vision, leadership and a coherent strategy to challenge the APC. Its inability to offer a clear alternative to government policies has only reinforced this perception. Despite criticizing President Bola Tinubu's reform agenda for its apparent insensitivity to economic challenges such as inflation and unemployment, the PDP's criticisms have failed to resonate with the electorate or translate into tangible political gains.
Factionalism within the PDP has deepened regional divisions, particularly in the South-South, where Wike is believed to retain strong influence. However, their fight for control of Rivers State adds a different layer to the party's woes in the region and at the centre. The political dispute between him and his successor, Governor Siminalayi Fubara, has intensified, characterized by accusations of treason and attempted impeachment. Despite interventions by figures like President Tinubu, core problems persist. Both are preparing for new clashes as the 2027 elections approach, with each struggling to establish control in this increasingly turbulent political environment. These divisions have already affected the PDP's electoral prospects. Disunity and lack of a cohesive platform have alienated key demographic groups of voters, resulting in poor results during the recent gubernatorial elections in Edo and Ondo states. Analysts warn that without significant reforms, the PDP risks further losses in the 2027 general elections.
Conversations about the PDP, even in the media, have been overwhelmingly negative, focusing on its internal conflicts and portraying it as a party in disarray. The ongoing adverse coverage has eroded public trust and reinforced skepticism about the party's ability to govern effectively.
The PDP's infighting has overshadowed its attempts to present a viable opposition, diminishing its credibility at a time when Nigerians are seeking strong alternatives to the ruling APC.
Way forward
As the year 2025 progresses, the PDP faces an uphill battle to regain its footing. To remain relevant, analysts say the party must establish clear and decisive leadership capable of unifying it. This includes addressing complaints arising from past elections and enforcing internal discipline. You must develop and communicate a coherent vision that resonates with voters' concerns, particularly on economic issues. It should be able to convene regular meetings of the CNE and other decision-making bodies to foster transparency and accountability, and it should address regional grievances to avoid further fragmentation and build a more inclusive coalition. With 16 years in power under its belt, the PDP's struggles in 2024 have laid bare the challenges it must overcome to remain a viable political force. Without decisive action to address its internal crises, rebuild its national image and reconnect with the electorate, the former ruling party risks being relegated to political irrelevance in Nigeria's changing landscape. Starting in 2025, the next few years will determine whether the party can regain its footing or continue its downward spiral into decline.
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