Tony Caesar Okeke, a former National Publicity Secretary of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), has sparked a heated debate by pinpointing what he describes as the root cause of the party’s struggles: “The Atiku Abubakar Problem.” Speaking during an interview on Channels TV, Okeke argued that the former Vice President’s actions and political ambitions have left an indelible mark on the PDP, creating internal divisions and undermining party unity.
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Tracing the party’s challenges back to the early 2000s, Okeke highlighted how Atiku’s aspirations disrupted the PDP’s trajectory. According to him, whispers of the “Mandela Option” during President Olusegun Obasanjo’s first term—a plan to unseat Obasanjo and install Atiku—sowed seeds of discord. When Atiku’s ambitions were thwarted, he defected to the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in 2007 to contest the presidential election, only to return to the PDP after his defeat.
This pattern of exits and reentries, Okeke noted, has been a recurring theme in Atiku’s career. In 2013, Atiku led a faction of the PDP, including five serving governors and numerous National Assembly members, to form the “New PDP.” This splinter group merged with other opposition parties to create the All Progressives Congress (APC), a move that significantly weakened the PDP, costing it roughly 20% of its strength.
Despite rejoining the PDP after the 2015 elections, Atiku’s influence, Okeke argued, fostered a culture of indiscipline. The party’s constitution mandates that members who leave lose their privileges, but Atiku, upon his return, resumed positions of power, including seats on the Board of Trustees and the National Executive Committee. Okeke sees this as a central factor in the internal instability plaguing the PDP.
Beyond the structural issues, Okeke criticized Atiku’s leadership style, describing it as personality-driven rather than strategy-focused. “Atiku’s influence is undeniable, but it has also led to factionalism, especially during election cycles,” he stated. His repeated presidential bids, including his selection as the PDP’s flagbearer for the 2023 elections, have often overshadowed other potential leaders, stifling innovation and adaptability within the party.
Political analysts agree that while Atiku commands a significant voter base, particularly in the North, his dominance has created a power imbalance within the PDP. Many party members feel sidelined, leading to internal battles and a perception of the PDP as overly reliant on one man’s ambitions.
Okeke’s critique extends to the PDP’s broader identity crisis. He argued that under Atiku’s shadow, the party has failed to resonate with a younger, more dynamic electorate, sticking to outdated alliances and strategies. “The PDP must redefine itself beyond one individual, embracing a democratic process where leadership is based on merit and vision,” he asserted.
Supporters of Atiku defend his contributions, citing his extensive experience and political clout. However, critics echo Okeke’s call for a fresh start, believing the PDP’s future lies in new blood and innovative ideas.
