The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) finds itself at a crossroads yet again, as internal power struggles threaten to weaken its structure ahead of the 2027 elections. Speaking on Channels TV, Hon. Tajudeen Yusuf, a former member of the House of Representatives and a key stakeholder in the party, shed light on the crisis engulfing the PDP.
Yusuf criticized the leadership of the Board of Trustees (BoT) for mismanaging the situation, arguing that inviting two factions to the same meeting was a grave mistake. “The leadership of the BoT should be held accountable for whatever happened. You cannot invite two people claiming the same seat and expect harmony,” he stated.
At the heart of the conflict is the battle for control of the party’s structure. According to Yusuf, many PDP leaders are not focused on strengthening the party but rather on securing positions for the next election cycle. “What you are seeing in the PDP right now is about 2027. People are already struggling for structure, fighting over who will control what, and who will become the party candidate,” he explained.
Reflecting on past mistakes, Yusuf pointed out that PDP’s loss in the last general election was due to overconfidence and a lack of internal unity. “We lost the last election because our flag bearer was too sure he was the next president and failed to unite all factions. We are heading down the same path if we don’t learn from history,” he warned.
He further noted that power struggles have been a recurring issue within the party, citing previous internal crises that led to electoral failures. “In 2014, five governors walked out of Eagle Square, and we dismissed it as a minor issue. That was the beginning of our downfall. Again, in 2023, the G5 governors distanced themselves from the party, and we lost. But have we learned? No.”
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The former lawmaker acknowledged that some PDP members are considering moving to other parties, recognizing that their ambitions may not be realized within the current framework. “Some of our leaders are already meeting with human rights lawyers to explore legal pathways to another party. But history shows that they often return when they realize the grass is not greener elsewhere,” he revealed.
Despite the turmoil, Yusuf remains optimistic about PDP’s future if it can manage its internal disputes wisely. He advised party leaders to be patient and allow the normal democratic processes to unfold. “A convention will be held. Why not wait and fight at the right time instead of tearing the party apart now?”
He also urged leaders to uphold the rule of law, emphasizing that party decisions should be guided by legal interpretations rather than personal ambitions. “If a court has ruled in someone’s favor and there is no stay of execution, respect it. If there is, then wait. Leadership means being fair and just, not playing to the gallery.”
As the PDP navigates yet another internal storm, Yusuf’s words serve as both a warning and a call to action. Without unity and strategic decision-making, the party risks further fragmentation—something that could play into the hands of its political opponents ahead of 2027.
