The Adamawa State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has attributed the recent defections from the party to personal interests. According to Dogo Victor, the party’s Publicity Secretary, defectors’ stated reasons for leaving can be disregarded, as they are primarily driven by self-interest.
In a recent interview with the Correspondents Chapel of the Adamawa State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Yola, Dogo emphasized that there are no significant issues within the PDP that would warrant defection. He cited the examples of Chief Crowther Seth, the immediate past deputy governor, who left the party in June, and Atiku Abubakar, the 2023 presidential candidate, who defected more recently. Dogo noted that despite Atiku’s departure, his son, Adamu Atiku, remains a prominent member of the PDP and serves as the Commissioner of Works, indicating that personal political interests are a key factor in these defections.
Dogo, who assumed his role as state PDP Publicity Secretary earlier this month, also addressed the disagreements that arose following the state congress. He acknowledged that it is natural for those who were not favored by the process to express dissatisfaction but emphasized that the party has established a reconciliation committee to resolve these differences.
The PDP has been experiencing defections in recent months, with some notable members leaving the party. However, Dogo’s comments suggest that the party remains confident in its internal dynamics and is working to address any grievances through its reconciliation committee. As the political landscape in Adamawa State continues to evolve, the PDP’s ability to manage its internal conflicts and retain its membership will be crucial in maintaining its influence in the region.
The PDP’s stance on the defections underscores the complex and often personal nature of political affiliations in Nigeria. As the country’s political parties navigate the challenges of coalition building and membership retention, the Adamawa State PDP’s approach to addressing defections may serve as a model for other parties to follow. With the reconciliation committee in place, the party is taking steps to heal internal divisions and move forward, even as it acknowledges the role of personal interests in shaping the political landscape.
