A former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Diran Odeyemi, has expressed confidence in the party’s ability to endure, stating that it has a strong foundation and will continue to thrive. According to Odeyemi, the PDP’s resilience is rooted in its grassroots participation, rather than top-down directives from the national leadership.
In an interview on TVC News, Odeyemi emphasized that the party’s legitimacy is derived from the involvement of its members at the ward and local government levels. He explained that while the national leadership plays a coordinating role, the real decision-making power lies with the local chapters. This, he believes, is what gives the party its strength and legitimacy.
Odeyemi warned against attempts to centralize control of party congresses, cautioning that such a move could undermine internal democracy and alienate members. He also downplayed concerns that leadership disputes at the national level could weaken the party, citing successful congresses in states like Ondo and Adamawa as evidence that the PDP’s local structures remain intact.
“The crisis at the top does not necessarily affect the party’s strength at the grassroots level,” Odeyemi said. “As long as congresses are conducted peacefully and members are satisfied with their leaders, the PDP remains strong.” He attributed the party’s ability to endure to its strong foundation and predicted that its upcoming national convention would mark a new beginning.
Odeyemi expressed optimism that the party would overcome its current challenges, stating that the PDP has a proven track record of resilience. “The PDP has a way of bouncing back,” he said. “When the present leadership leaves in December, new leaders who understand the importance of peace and stability will take charge, and the party will emerge stronger.” With its national convention on the horizon, the PDP is poised to begin a new chapter in its history, one that could potentially revitalize the party and restore its position as a major force in Nigerian politics.
