The PDP Founding Fathers’ Call for Southern Presidential Ticket and Party Renewal
The founding fathers of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) convened a Consultative Conference in Abuja, themed “Reclaiming Our Legacy, Renewing Our Collective Vision,” to chart a course for the party’s future. Professor Jerry Gana, former Minister of Information, articulated the group’s primary recommendation: allocating the party’s 2027 presidential ticket to the South. This strategic move, they argued, would not only enhance the PDP’s chances of electoral victory but also demonstrate a commitment to fairness, justice, and equity within the party and across the nation. Beyond the zoning of the presidential ticket, the founding fathers emphasized the urgent need for a National Convention to elect a fresh set of party officers who could spearhead the PDP’s revitalization. This convention, they stressed, must be conducted with utmost transparency and integrity, devoid of backroom deals or impositions, ensuring the election of competent and loyal individuals to the National Working Committee (NWC).
Central to the PDP’s renewal, according to the founding fathers, was the empowerment of the next generation. Professor Gana underscored the importance of youth inclusion and generational equity, advocating for the active participation of young, innovative Nigerians in party leadership and as candidates in the 2027 general elections. Recognizing the dynamism and digital fluency of the youth, the founding fathers urged the party to mainstream young leaders into core leadership structures, valuing their fresh perspectives and contributions. This emphasis on youth engagement signaled a conscious effort to adapt to the evolving political landscape and appeal to a broader demographic.
The Consultative Conference also served as a platform for prominent PDP leaders to address the recent wave of defections that had rocked the party. Key figures like Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, acting National Chairman Umar Damagum, former Senate President Bukola Saraki, and PDP Board of Trustees Secretary Ahmed Makarfi, while acknowledging the defections, maintained that the PDP remained a formidable political force capable of securing victory in the 2027 elections. They characterized the defectors, who included prominent figures like former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Senate President David Mark, as “nomadic politicians” driven by short-term personal ambitions rather than loyalty to the party or a shared vision for the nation.
Governor Mohammed, in his address, expressed disappointment at the defectors’ decision to abandon a well-established platform like the PDP for parties with weaker foundations. He questioned the strategic wisdom of their move, arguing that the PDP’s history, legacy, and extensive national structure provided a far more viable path to achieving their political aspirations. Mohammed extended an olive branch to the defectors, urging them to reconsider their decision and return to the PDP fold. He emphasized the party’s capacity for accommodation and reconciliation, highlighting past instances where returning members had been welcomed back and even afforded opportunities to contest elections.
Ahmed Makarfi, former Governor of Kaduna State and PDP Board of Trustees Secretary, expressed skepticism about the viability of the coalitions formed by the defectors. He questioned the legitimacy and durability of the structures offered to them by the other parties, particularly the ADC. Makarfi remained confident that many of the defectors would eventually return to the PDP once the dust settled and the realities of their new political alliances became apparent. He reiterated the PDP’s resilience and capacity for rebuilding, drawing parallels to the party’s humble beginnings when it rose to prominence from a position of relative obscurity.
Umar Damagum, the acting National Chairman, in his remarks, reminded party members of the PDP’s rich history and the sacrifices made by its founding fathers to establish and nurture democratic values in Nigeria. He acknowledged the internal challenges that had plagued the party over the years, attributing some of them to the prioritization of personal ambition over ideological clarity. However, he emphasized the enduring strengths of the PDP, including its commitment to internal democracy, its national outlook, and its mechanisms for dialogue and reconciliation. Damagum asserted that the Consultative Conference was a crucial step towards realigning the party with its core values and moving forward with a renewed sense of purpose.
Former Niger State Governor Babangida Aliyu took a more hardline stance against the defectors, arguing against welcoming back “nomadic politicians” who prioritize self-interest over the party’s well-being. He advocated for a system of reward and punishment within the party, emphasizing the need for discipline and adherence to the party’s constitution. Aliyu stressed that the PDP’s purpose extended beyond winning elections, encompassing the promotion of principled politics and national unity. He urged the party to focus on building a strong, united, and principled organization that could effectively serve the nation, regardless of electoral outcomes.
The overall sentiment expressed at the Consultative Conference was one of cautious optimism. While acknowledging the challenges posed by the defections and internal divisions, the PDP founding fathers and key leaders expressed confidence in the party’s resilience and its ability to rebuild and reposition itself for future electoral success. The call for a Southern presidential ticket, coupled with the emphasis on youth inclusion and internal party reforms, signaled a strategic effort to revitalize the PDP and address the concerns that had led to the recent exodus of members. The conference served as a rallying point for the party faithful, emphasizing the importance of unity, discipline, and a renewed commitment to the PDP’s core values.
