A former lawmaker in Kaduna State, Mathew Simon Gwazah, has urged warring factions within Nigeria’s main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to resolve their differences, warning that ongoing crises threaten the party’s future and the nation’s democratic progress.
Gwazah, who represented the Zangon Kataf constituency, attributed the internal discord and subsequent mass defections to a small group of leaders pursuing personal interests. Speaking in Kaduna, he asserted that the party’s grassroots membership remains largely intact across the country, with members eager to see the PDP regain power to address Nigeria’s current challenges.
He drew a contrast between the PDP’s tenure from 1999 to 2015 and the present, stating that affordability and security were more prevalent under the former administration. “Nigerians should in the interest of the country elect PDP candidates in the coming general election for a better society,” he said, pointing toward the 2027 elections as a critical opportunity.
According to Gwazah, the PDP retains a nationwide organizational structure, unlike the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), which he claimed has limited presence in some regions. He maintained that in free and fair elections, the PDP remains the most viable national party.
Defections, he argued, are driven by individual ambition rather than public service. “What is happening in the PDP is a trying moment,” he said, calling on leaders to find common ground. “As we focus on the interest of the party and the people, we will definitely get a breakthrough because the party structure is still intact.”
Locally, Gwazah highlighted the PDP’s strength in Kaduna, particularly in Southern Kaduna and his own ward, where he said no members have left. He attributed recent defections in the state to a few “desperate” aspirants. He appealed for patience and unity among members to ensure electoral success in 2027.
While emphasizing the party’s bright prospects, Gwazah indicated his willingness to serve again if nominated. “It is up to my people if I am considered to stand for election in any capacity,” he stated, pledging to leverage his experience for constituents’ development.
His call reflects a broader effort by the PDP to reconcile internal factions ahead of the next electoral cycle, as the party seeks to rebuild after losing the presidency in 2015 and facing sustained pressure from the APC. The stability of the opposition, analysts note, is crucial for Nigeria’s democratic consolidation.
