The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Nigeria is embroiled in a deepening internal crisis, characterized by violence and thuggery at its national secretariat in Abuja. According to Anthony Kila, Director of the Centre for International, Advanced and Professional Studies, the actions of key party leaders demonstrate a lack of worthiness to lead the country. Kila attributes the chaos to the absence of a higher purpose of service and vision to improve society among the party’s leaders, resulting in a reliance on thuggery and violence rather than debate and consultation.

The crisis is seen as inevitable by Kila, stemming from long-standing anti-party activities by some leaders. He likens the situation to a “rotten fish,” where the core problem lies with the party’s internal dynamics rather than its symptoms. Kila expressed concern over the judiciary’s involvement in party politics, warning that it erodes trust in the arm of government. He urged the judiciary to distance itself from partisan politics, given its corrupt and toxic nature in Nigeria.

The latest escalation of the crisis occurred when rival groups clashed at the PDP secretariat, prompting police intervention with teargas. The conflict centers around a leadership dispute, with Taminu Turaki emerging as National Chairman at the Ibadan convention on November 15. Turaki’s group expelled several key members, including Anyanwu and former Governor Wike, for anti-party activities. However, the expelled members dismissed the suspension and retaliated by expelling Turaki and other newly elected executives.

The police have since cordoned off the national secretariat, using barbed wire to prevent access. The situation highlights the deep divisions within the PDP and the challenges facing the opposition party in Nigeria. As the crisis unfolds, concerns about the party’s ability to present a unified front and effectively challenge the ruling party in future elections continue to grow. The ongoing power struggle and judiciary’s role in the crisis will likely have significant implications for Nigeria’s political landscape.