The Story Of The PDP, LABOUR, ADC, NNPP And SDP
Five leading opposition parties in Nigeria are currently facing significant crisis, primarily driven by internal conflicts, leadership disputes, and mass defections to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The PDP is plagued by factionalism, with some members alleging that the party is being manipulated by external forces. There’s also a struggle for control between different factions, including those loyal to Atiku Abubakar and Nyesom Wike.
The Labour Party (LP) is embroiled in a bitter leadership tussle between Julius Abure and other factions, with court battles and rival claims to the party’s leadership.
The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) is experiencing internal turmoil, particularly in Kano State, with leadership disputes and defections to the APC.
Lately there has been Mass Defections to APC
Many opposition lawmakers and governors have defected to the APC, citing various reasons, including internal party conflicts and the lure of power.
Some Opposition leaders have accused the APC of engineering their internal crises and manipulating their parties to weaken them.
The Presidency has denied these allegations, stating that the crises are internal to the opposition parties and not orchestrated by the APC.
The cumulative effect of these crises is a significantly weakened opposition, which could impact the 2027 general elections and potentially lead to an uneven playing field.
Some opposition leaders have formed a coalition to mount a united challenge against the APC in 2027.
What’s going on in the SDP?
The Social Democratic Party (SDP) is also facing crisis.
A faction of the party has suspended National Chairman Shehu Gabam, along with two other NEC members, over allegations of financial mismanagement. However, Gabam denies the suspension, calling it “fake news” and a result of political mischief.
Gabam accuses an opposition coalition of masterminding the crisis, claiming they want to hijack the party’s structure. He believes this coalition sees the SDP as a strong threat and is trying to disrupt it.
The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Rufus Ayegbeni, announced Gabam’s suspension, but Gabam insists he’s still the legitimate chairman. The dispute has led to a leadership vacuum, with some members questioning the legitimacy of the suspension.
The party has been embroiled in controversy, with some members demanding accountability and transparency. Gabam has offered to submit the party’s financial records to security agencies for investigation, claiming there’s nothing to hide.
The crisis within the SDP could have implications for the party’s future, particularly with the 2027 general elections looming. The situation remains fluid, with different factions vying for control and legitimacy within the party.
How about the crisis in Labour Party?
The Labour Party in Nigeria is currently facing significant challenges, including internal conflicts, leadership disputes, and mass defections to other parties.
A bitter leadership tussle between National Chairman Julius Abure and factional leader Senator Nenadi Usman has fractured the party’s national executive and sown confusion. The Supreme Court has ruled that Abure’s tenure has expired, and Lamidi Apapa has declared himself the leader of the party.
The party has lost at least 21 lawmakers within 12 months, with notable defections including Ireti Kingibe, the LP’s sole senator from the Federal Capital Territory, and Senator Neda Imasuen of Edo South. These defections have weakened the party’s structure and raised concerns about its stability.
The party is experiencing internal conflicts, with factions clashing at the party’s headquarters in Abuja. State chairmen have prevented Lamidi Apapa’s National Working Committee from accessing the headquarters, leading to standoffs and court battles.
The party is embroiled in court battles, with the Supreme Court’s judgment on the leadership crisis sparking controversy. The Certified True Copy of the judgment has revealed that Abure’s cross-appeal was dismissed, and his tenure as National Chairman was declared expired.
The Nigerian Labour Congress has asked the Police and other security agencies to step in and enforce the Supreme Court’s pronouncement by evicting the Julius Abure-led executives from the party’s national headquarters in Abuja.
The Labour Party’s crisis has implications for its future, particularly with the 2027 general elections looming. The party’s ability to resolve its internal conflicts and rebuild its structure will be crucial in determining its prospects for success.
How about the PDP, the main opposition party?
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is also facing significant challenges, including internal conflicts, leadership disputes, and mass defections to other parties.
A bitter leadership tussle between acting National Chairman Umar Damagum and other factions has weakened the party. The National Executive Committee (NEC) decision to affirm Samuel Anyanwu as National Secretary was met with resistance from some members, who claim it’s a trap set by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to destroy the opposition party.
The party’s crisis began in 2022 and has persisted, with some members accusing others of being in cahoots with the APC. The conflict has led to frequent postponements of NEC meetings and has raised questions about the party’s future viability.
The PDP has lost several key members, including Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State and Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State, who defected to the APC. Former Senate President David Mark also resigned from the party, citing internal divisions and unresolved leadership crises.
Some PDP leaders, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, have endorsed a coalition with the African Democratic Congress (ADC), which could potentially further weaken the PDP.
Despite these challenges, PDP founding member Jerry Gana remains optimistic, stating that the party’s crisis is limited to Abuja elites and hasn’t affected its grassroots support.
The PDP’s ability to resolve its internal conflicts and rebuild its structure will be crucial in determining its prospects for success in future elections.
How àbout the crisis in ADC?
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) is also embroiled in a deep-seated crisis, marked by internal conflicts, leadership disputes, and allegations of external interference.
A faction led by Nafi’u Bala, a former governorship candidate, has declared him as the interim national chairman, while another faction, led by David Mark, was anointed as the interim chairman by Ralph Nwosu, the party’s founder and political godfather.
The party is divided over a proposed coalition with other opposition parties, including the PDP, ahead of the 2027 general elections. Some members believe this coalition would strengthen the party, while others see it as a hostile takeover.
Dumebi Kachikwu, the 2023 presidential candidate, has accused the David Mark-led faction of forging signatures of state chairmen to secure a favorable court judgment, which could potentially pave the way for Atiku Abubakar’s presidential bid in 2027.
The party is entangled in court battles over the legitimacy of its leadership and the coalition agreement.
Kachikwu has suggested invoking the “doctrine of necessity” to resolve the leadership impasse, given the party’s lack of legitimate national leadership for over two years.
The ADC’s crisis has significant implications for its future and the 2027 general elections. The party’s ability to resolve its internal conflicts and present a united front will be crucial in determining its prospects for success.
Can these crisis be resolved?
Political analysts don’t think so. Accordin to some, resolving the crisis in opposition parties will be challenging, but not impossible. Here are some potential ways forward:
Parties could engage in internal dialogue and reconciliation efforts to address leadership disputes and factionalism.
New leadership could bring fresh perspectives and help parties move forward.
Implementing reforms to improve party governance, transparency, and accountability could help restore confidence and stability.
Neutral mediators or facilitators could help parties resolve conflicts and find common ground.
Forming alliances with other parties or groups could provide a united front and strengthen opposition voices.
How about the challenges?
Long-standing conflicts and mistrust between factions could make it difficult to find mutually acceptable solutions.
Individual ambitions and interests might hinder efforts to find common ground and prioritize party unity.
External factors, such as interference from ruling parties or other external actors, could complicate efforts to resolve internal conflicts.
Some parties have successfully reconciled internal conflicts through dialogue and compromise.
Smooth leadership transitions have helped some parties move forward and rebuild.
Parties that have implemented reforms have seen improvements in governance and stability.
Ultimately, resolving the crises in Nigerian opposition parties will require a combination of internal efforts, external support, and a commitment to finding common ground and prioritizing party unity.
What are the Internal Factors that the opposition parties are facing?
We can reveal the Leadership disputes, factionalism, and mass defections to the APC have weakened opposition parties.
Personal ambitions and interests might hinder efforts to find common ground and prioritize party unity.
Without concrete evidence, it’s challenging to conclusively determine the extent of the APC’s involvement in opposition parties’ crises. However, it’s clear that both internal and external factors are contributing to the current state of opposition politics in Nigeria.
What is the nature of NNPP’s crisis?
An insider has revealed that the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) is embroiled in a deep-seated crisis, marked by internal conflicts, leadership disputes, and factionalism. The key aspects of the crisis involves a faction led by Dr. Agbo Major which has been recognized as the national leadership, while another faction loyal to Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso rejects this leadership, leading to a bitter power struggle.
The NNPP has expelled Kwankwaso, along with Buba Galadima and the entire Kwankwassiya faction, sparking controversy and further divisions within the party.
The crisis has led to ongoing legal battles, with some lawmakers claiming their suspensions were baseless and in contempt of court.
Different factions within the party are vying for control, with some members accusing others of trying to weaken Governor Abba Yusuf’s position.
Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has brokered peace between stakeholders in the NNPP and top echelons of the Kwankwasiyya movement in Kano State, but the effectiveness of this reconciliation remains to be seen.
The key players Involved in the crisis include:
Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso. He is the Leader of the Kwankwasiyya movement and former governor of Kano State.
There is Dr. Agbo Major. He is recognized as the national chairman of the NNPP by one faction.
There is Abba Yusuf, the Governor of Kano State, who has attempted to broker peace within the party.
There is Aliyu Sani Madaki Gini, the Deputy Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, who has distanced himself from the Kwankwasiyya Movement.
Many believe, the internal crises within the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano State could significantly impact the 2027 elections. There are some potential implications.
NNPP’s internal conflicts, particularly the suspension of Senator Kawu Sumaila and three House of Representatives members, may weaken the party’s prospects in the 2027 elections. If Kawu Sumaila decides to return to the APC, it could further erode the NNPP’s stronghold in Kano South, as many of his supporters are loyal to him rather than the party.
Despite internal divisions, the APC is strategizing to reclaim power in Kano. The party’s National Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje, believes the APC will deliver more than triple the votes it got in the 2023 presidential election in Kano State, citing the NNPP government’s failures.
The crisis in both parties could reshape party alliances and influence voter sentiments ahead of the 2027 elections. Analysts warn that the NNPP risks losing its stronghold in Kano South if Kawu Sumaila defects to the APC.
The APC’s unity and popularity are expected to play a crucial role in determining the electoral outcome. Meanwhile, the NNPP’s ability to resolve its internal conflicts will be vital in maintaining its dominance in Kano.
How will the crisis rocking these opposition parties affect their participation in 2027 elections?
The crisis rocking Nigeria’s opposition parties will likely significantly impact the 2027 elections in many ways.
The opposition parties’ inability to form a united front will weaken their chances of dislodging the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) from power. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s efforts to form a coalition have been met with resistance from some opposition leaders, including Ibrahim Shekarau, who believes the coalition won’t work.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Labour Party (LP) are grappling with internal crises, including leadership disputes and factionalism. These crises will likely distract the parties from effectively campaigning and mobilizing support for the 2027 elections.
The opposition parties have suffered significant defections, including governors and lawmakers, to the APC. These defections will not only weaken the opposition’s numerical strength but also erode their morale and confidence.
The APC is likely to benefit from the opposition’s disunity and internal crises. The party’s national chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje, has expressed confidence in the party’s ability to resolve its internal disputes and emerge stronger.
The crisis in opposition parties could lead to a landslide victory for the APC in the 2027 elections. However, some analysts believe that the opposition still has a chance to mount a strong challenge if they can put their houses in order and present a united front.
What will happen to the coalition?
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) Coalition, formed to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 general elections, faces several hurdles that could impact its success.
The Coalition might experience leadership friction between supporters of key figures like Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi, which could undermine its unity and effectiveness.
Other opposition parties might view the ADC coalition as a threat or question its legitimacy, potentially leading to further divisions within the opposition camp.
The APC has already dismissed the coalition as a “coalition of confusion,” which could affect public perception and the coalition’s momentum.
The APC’s recent successes in attracting defectors from opposition parties, including governors and lawmakers, might continue, potentially weakening the ADC coalition’s strength.
The coalition’s ability to present a unified front on key policy issues will be crucial in determining its success. Differences in ideology or policy priorities could create tension and undermine the coalition’s cohesion.
Despite these challenges, the ADC coalition has several factors working in its favor:
The coalition boasts an impressive lineup of prominent politicians, which could help attract support and resources.
The coalition’s formation represents a significant attempt to consolidate opposition forces, potentially creating a more formidable challenge to the APC in 2027.
The coalition’s emphasis on national unity, security, and economic reform could resonate with voters looking for a credible alternative to the APC.
The coalition’s adoption of the ADC as its platform and the appointment of interim leaders, including David Mark as National Chairman, could help galvanize support and create momentum for the 2027 elections.
