The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is grappling with an escalating internal crisis, centered on the legitimacy of its Board of Trustees (BoT). The controversy stems from the expiration of the tenure of a significant number of BoT members, raising questions about the validity of their continued meetings and decisions. Critics argue that the current BoT, led by Senator Adolphus Wabara, lacks the required quorum stipulated in the party’s constitution to conduct official business. With approximately 85 out of 127 members absent from recent activities, including 67 statutory members, decisions taken by the remaining 42 members are being challenged as unconstitutional and therefore null and void. This contention is fueled by the ongoing power struggles within the party, exacerbating existing divisions and hindering efforts towards stability and unity.
The controversy surrounding the BoT is interwoven with other leadership disputes within the PDP, notably the conflict over the position of National Secretary. The court-backed appointment of Sunday Ude-Okoye has been met with resistance from supporters of Senator Samuel Anyanwu, the previous holder of the position. This power struggle has led to physical confrontations and further deepened the factionalism within the party. The BoT’s endorsement of Ude-Okoye, despite questions about its own legitimacy, has only added fuel to the fire, with Anyanwu and his supporters dismissing the decision as invalid. This ongoing tussle for control of key party positions underscores the broader crisis of authority and the challenges faced by the PDP in navigating its internal conflicts.
Adding to the complexity of the situation is the inaction of key figures within the PDP. Attempts to reach the National Publicity Secretary, the acting National Chairman, the BoT Chairman, and its Secretary for clarification have been unsuccessful. This lack of communication and transparency further fuels speculation and mistrust within the party ranks. The absence of clear direction from the leadership allows the internal disputes to fester and escalate, hindering any potential for resolution and reconciliation. This leadership vacuum contributes to the perception of a party adrift and incapable of effectively addressing its internal challenges.
While critics, including the PDP Deputy National Youth Leader, Timothy Osadolor, argue that the current BoT members should be regarded merely as “PDP elders” due to their expired tenures, some within the BoT maintain that their actions are justified. Senator Umar Ibrahim-Tsauri, a BoT member and former National Secretary, acknowledges the expired tenures but defends the board’s continued operation, citing the party’s constitution, which grants the BoT power to regulate its proceedings. He emphasizes the ongoing crisis within the party and the need for experienced leadership to navigate these turbulent times. This defense, however, fails to address the core issue of the lack of quorum, which according to the party’s constitution, invalidates any decisions made by the current BoT.
The argument put forth by Ibrahim-Tsauri underscores a deeper conflict within the PDP – the tension between established party elders clinging to power and the need for a renewed and constitutionally sound leadership. While the experience of these elders is acknowledged, their continued hold on power, despite the expiration of their mandates, is seen by many as a contributing factor to the ongoing instability. This resistance to change and the reluctance to adhere to the party’s constitution are further eroding trust and hindering the PDP’s ability to present a united front. The party is caught in a precarious balancing act between respecting its established figures and adhering to its own rules and regulations.
The crisis within the PDP highlights the urgent need for internal reform and adherence to the party’s constitution. The disputes over the BoT’s legitimacy, the National Secretary position, and the overall lack of clear communication from the leadership are symptomatic of a deeper malaise within the party. The continued infighting and factionalism threaten to further marginalize the PDP and undermine its ability to effectively function as a viable opposition party. Moving forward, the PDP faces the daunting task of reconciling its internal divisions, upholding its constitution, and rebuilding trust among its members. Failure to address these critical issues risks perpetuating the cycle of instability and further jeopardizing the party’s future prospects.
