By Mohammed Dantala Aliyu
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is the main opposition party in Nigeria even though we are witnessing some developments regarding new parties, especially the cross- carpeting of politicians to some other parties which involves top politicians who have held some sensitive positions at different times and levels.
However, leaders in the PDP still feel they can strategies and bounce back to power in the coming 2027 General elections. They are not losing sleep over what is going on in the ruling party – the All progressives Congress (APC) or the activities of other parties to win the elections. From all indications, campaigns, intrigues and political calculations in the coming months promise to be interesting.
Nigeria’s political landscape has witnessed important transformation on the scale of political formations since 1999 when democratic civil rule was officially inaugurated. Today, the Nigerian society is clouded with innovative terminologies and “political godfatherism.”
These conceptual innovations convey some meanings and senses in their attempt to capture political change and realities in Nigeria’s contemporary politics. It also tends to reflect the direction of the party in power. Political parties are, therefore, the engine rooms of changes and growth in society.
The direction and focus of the party remained the borne of controversy in recent times. Although, this usually caused controversies in some instances which are usually resolved by the leadership.
The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has its own share of leadership brawl with some leading to threats of destruction or even death. The head of the PDP has always been zoned to avoid such crisis, yet, the problem continues to persist. A political analyst with the voice of Nigeria (VON), Abubakar Issa states expressly that, the 2025 PDP National convention scheduled for November in Ibadan will produce the National Chairman for the party.
It is expected that, the person should be a mature, reasonable, experienced and full of wisdom to lead. He must also be a team player, respected among members and capable of changing the fortunes of the party for good.
Furthermore, the next National Chairman should be able to carry members along by attending to issues and solving the problems that may arise.
Top party faithful are giving support to their candidates and strategizing to make them win the forthcoming National Chairmanship election. Each of the contenders have their support groups and teams to occupy other sensitive elective positions to run the affairs of the party together. They has top leaders such as Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) who is a strong force and advocate of internal democracy. We also have the former Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, Seyi Makinde, Oyo State Sule Lamido, former Governor of Jigawa State, Governor Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa State and many others who have their respective candidates to support.
Nyesom Wike, a staunch advocate of internal democracy, so much believes in generational shift in the party’s leadership. This is what stands him shoulder high above party dogmas. Wike had earlier showed that he is not happy with the way the acting Chairman is conducting the affairs of the party.
Surprisingly, an announcement was made after a meeting of Northern PDP leaders in Abuja by the Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Ahmadu Fintiri that Tanimu Turaki, former Minister of Special Duties under former President Goodluck Jonathan has been endorsed by some leaders of the party as the consensus candidate for the National Chairman’s seat. This decision was made by some members who are defending their selfish interests. Reactions continue to pour in condemning this decision. Governor Fintiri who is the Chairman of the National Organising Committee said PDP possesses strong internal mechanisms capable of addressing issues.
For now, consultations are on-going among top party leaders to ensure that a credible and responsible person is elected as National Party Chairman in a hitch-free National convention in Ibadan next month. There are growing tensions on who gets the seat of the National Chairman of the party.
In considering and electing the next PDP Chairman, caution must be exercised.
However, there lies a strong contender who is yearning to contest for the position of the National Chairman. He is Hon. Alhaji Sidi Abdul Bomi, Kauran Lapai and Walin Gulu, an active and focused politician who has passion for development and remains passionate about good governance and the sustenance of democratic rule.
He was a gubernatorial candidate in the 2023 race in Niger State. He is a force of hope and capable of giving PDP a fresh breath. He is free from any litigation; Hon. Bomi has NEVER been accused of any misappropriation. A grassroot mobiliser and friend of the masses, he has a hair of supporters and loyalists scattered across the nation. It is on record that, Hon. Bomi is one of the most dedicated and committed party foot soldiers who has NEVER cross- carpeted to any party since 1999.
He enjoys the support of youth leaders and many political support groups in all the zones across the nation. He is very sensitive to people’s needs and too generous to a default. He is a vibrant and influential politician who has the connections and chain of relationships to bring about positive changes for the party. His worth, capacity and capability are not in doubt.
He makes sacrifices for the party. Recently, he single-handedly renovated the Niger State Party Secretariat and also paid the backlog of staff salaries.
In the spirit of zoning arrangements as initiated by the PDP, Leadership positions have always been zoned, to create a level playing ground for all. As it is now, the seat is supposed to be zoned to the North Central and to Niger State where Hon. Alhaji Sidi Abdul Bomi hails from.
Already, Forum of youth leaders in the North Central zone have unanimously endorsed his candidature for the National Chairmanship seat.
It is strongly believed among positive thinking individuals that if Hon. Alhaji Sidi Abdul Bomi gets the National Chairman ship position, new administrative methods will be injected into the party’s leadership towards transforming the party and make it a model for modern politics and governance.
This will make our democracy thrive and be sustained. By the special Grace of GOD, democratic rule has come to stay in Nigeria.
Mohammed Dantala Aliyu is a public commentator and can be reached on talk2aliyu73@gmail.com, 08085579525
