Mazi Sam Ohuabunwa, a former presidential aspirant of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), has shared his insights into the ongoing crisis within the party and offered recommendations for restoring unity.
On the recent Court of Appeal ruling regarding the PDP dispute, Ohuabunwa emphasized his respect for the judiciary, acknowledging that corruption exists across institutions but stressing the importance of adhering to court decisions. He described the turmoil within the party as a consequence of internal rule violations in 2022, which he predicted would lead to destabilization.
Ohuabunwa noted that the party’s disputes have persisted because key figures have refused to reconcile, with major disagreements ending up in the courts. He encouraged members to accept the court’s recognition of the Wike-led National Caretaker Committee and view it as an opportunity to rebuild, stressing compromise as a necessary step for progress.
He traced the root of the conflict to the abandonment of the PDP’s zoning arrangement between the North and South, a move that fueled rivalry between former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Governor Nyesom Wike. Ohuabunwa also criticized certain party officials for failing to uphold the party’s constitution, highlighting a broader issue of weak political principles in Nigeria.
Reflecting on how the crisis escalated, Ohuabunwa explained that Wike felt marginalized after losing the primary and being denied the vice-presidential candidacy, while party leadership failed to mediate effectively. He warned that if the PDP does not secure positions in the 2027 elections, the party risks long-term irrelevance and potential collapse.
Ohuabunwa concluded that the PDP’s problems stem from low political maturity, personal ambitions, regional divisions, and the prevalence of personality-driven politics rather than principled, ideological governance. He called for humility, compromise, and a focus on national interest to stabilize the party.
