Atiku Abubakar, the former Vice President of Nigeria, has revealed the reasons behind his inability to make decisive moves to resolve the crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). In an interview with the BBC Hausa Service, Abubakar stated that his limited authority within the party hindered his efforts to address the issues.
The PDP has been embroiled in a crisis since 2022, which intensified during the build-up to the 2023 presidential election. The party’s decision to zone its presidential ticket to the North, with its National Chairman hailing from the same region, led to Abubakar’s emergence as the PDP’s presidential candidate. However, this move was met with discontent from some party chieftains, who felt that the ticket should have been zoned to a different region.
Abubakar attributed his inability to take firm decisions to his lack of control over key party positions. He stated that if he had held the position of National Chairman or National Secretary, or if someone who listened to him held these positions, he would have been able to make the necessary decisions to resolve the crisis. However, he claimed that the individuals occupying these positions had personal interests that differed from his own.
The lingering crisis within the PDP ultimately led to Abubakar and other party members defecting to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), an opposition coalition. Abubakar also accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of sponsoring individuals to undermine the PDP. The former Vice President’s comments provide insight into the internal conflicts that have plagued the PDP, highlighting the challenges faced by the party in its efforts to resolve its ongoing crisis.
The PDP’s crisis has significant implications for Nigeria’s political landscape, particularly in the lead-up to future elections. As one of the country’s major political parties, the PDP’s ability to resolve its internal conflicts will be crucial in determining its effectiveness as a opposition force. Abubakar’s comments underscore the need for the party to address its internal divisions and work towards a more united front in order to effectively challenge the ruling APC.
