The political landscape in Nigeria is heating up, with the Bauchi State Governor and Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors’ Forum, Bala Muhammed, accusing the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of prioritizing politicking over governance. He points to the premature emergence of campaign billboards across the nation, a full two years ahead of the 2027 general elections, as a clear violation of established guidelines set by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Muhammed also criticizes the APC for actively encouraging defections from other parties, a move he interprets as a deliberate attempt to destabilize the opposition. He argues that this focus on political maneuvering, rather than addressing the needs of the nation, is a disservice to the Nigerian people.
Muhammed’s concerns extend beyond the APC’s electioneering tactics. He expresses apprehension about what he perceives as the current government’s “anti-democratic tendencies,” specifically citing a growing intolerance for opposing viewpoints. The PDP, he asserts, is committed to safeguarding the constitution and ensuring that these tendencies do not erode democratic principles. The party is closely monitoring INEC’s activities, anticipating reforms that will strengthen the electoral process and guarantee free and fair elections. This vigilance, he argues, is crucial to preserving Nigeria’s democratic future.
The PDP itself is navigating internal complexities, including the defection of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and the less active roles of former President Goodluck Jonathan and former Vice President Namadi Sambo. Muhammed acknowledges that party membership is ultimately a personal choice. He suggests that former presidents often transition into roles as elder statesmen, thereby reducing their direct involvement in partisan politics. He notes that while Atiku is free to pursue his political ambitions elsewhere, the leadership challenges he cited as his reason for leaving the PDP will likely persist in his new political home. The governor emphasizes that leadership involves addressing and resolving such challenges, rather than simply switching allegiances.
Muhammed’s comments also shed light on his strained relationship with the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, a fellow PDP member. He acknowledges a past friendship with Wike, but admits that their bond has weakened due to differing political viewpoints. He attributes the tension to Wike’s current position serving under the APC administration, a situation that creates inherent conflict within the PDP. While acknowledging party elders’ efforts to mediate their differences, Muhammed suggests that the fundamental disagreement in their political beliefs has created a distance that may be difficult to bridge. This internal friction within the PDP underscores the challenges the party faces in presenting a united front against the ruling APC.
The PDP’s concerns about the APC’s political strategies and the potential erosion of democratic principles reflect a broader anxiety about the state of Nigerian politics. The premature campaigning, coupled with allegations of orchestrated defections, raises questions about the fairness and integrity of the upcoming electoral process. The PDP’s focus on INEC reforms and its commitment to upholding constitutional provisions signal its determination to hold the government accountable and ensure a level playing field for all political actors. Whether these efforts will be successful in curbing what they perceive as the APC’s excessive politicking remains to be seen.
The dynamics within the PDP further complicate the political equation. The departure of prominent figures like Atiku Abubakar and the evolving roles of former President Jonathan and former Vice President Sambo underscore the challenges of maintaining party unity and projecting a strong, cohesive opposition. The internal tensions, exemplified by Muhammed’s strained relationship with Wike, highlight the delicate balancing act required to navigate differing political viewpoints within a single party. As the 2027 elections draw closer, the PDP will need to address these internal divisions and present a compelling alternative to the ruling APC if it hopes to regain power. The future of Nigerian politics hinges on the interplay of these competing forces and the ability of all parties to prioritize the needs of the nation over partisan interests.
