Current affairs analyst and Professor of Communications at Baze University in Abuja, Abiodun Adeniyi, has identified a significant crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), marking one of the most severe breakdowns in its history. Ongoing factional disputes, court injunctions, and failed reconciliation efforts jeopardize the party’s upcoming national convention scheduled for Saturday in Ibadan.
In an interview with ARISE News on March 15, 2024, Professor Adeniyi stated that the party’s troubles are deep-rooted and have been developing over a protracted period. He noted that the current turmoil is unlikely to be resolved quickly. “The crisis did not start today and won’t end soon,” he asserted, suggesting that significant sacrifices are necessary for any hope of reconciliation.
The professor explained that the PDP’s issues have been brewing for approximately three years due to unresolved disputes and missed opportunities for internal harmony. “One day there is one trouble, another week another kind of trouble,” he remarked, emphasizing the party’s inability to mend its internal fractures. This failure has led to judicial interventions, which, according to him, have historically not resolved party differences effectively.
Adeniyi warned that the party might remain unstable for an extended period. “If they have to resolve their crisis, I do not see their path to peace coming up in the next few months or even years,” he stated. He called for stakeholders to return to the negotiating table, regardless of the egos involved. “There has to be sacrifice at the level of pride and prestige,” he said, underscoring the need for a give-and-take approach for meaningful reconciliation.
Regarding recent incidents, Adeniyi commented on a public confrontation between FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and a naval officer in Abuja. He criticized both parties for their poor judgment, describing the encounter as a “breach of process and civility.” He suggested that the minister could have handled the situation with more temperance and that the naval officer, while likely following orders, should have acted differently in a civilian context.
Despite the confrontation, Adeniyi noted that tensions were ultimately diffused, and the situation appears to have calmed. “The gratifying thing is that the minister seems to have been slightly contrite,” he said, adding that explanations from the military hierarchy helped ease the situation. He emphasized the importance of maintaining civil relations to avoid future complications.
In a separate commentary, Adeniyi addressed concerns regarding a factual mistake by British broadcaster Piers Morgan, who referred to the “Chibok boys” instead of the “Chibok girls” during an interview. He downplayed the significance of the error, stating, “The Minister of Foreign Affairs should not be bothered.” He encouraged a focus on the audience’s judgment and emphasized the need for trust in the interview process.
As the PDP grapples with its internal crises, the future of the party remains uncertain. The unresolved issues within its ranks could hinder its ability to present a united front as a viable opposition in the near future.
