According to Independent Nigeria, Kola Ologbondiyan, the former National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has voiced his concerns regarding the current state of the party. In a recent interview, Ologbondiyan provided an assessment of why the former ruling party has struggled to present a strong opposition and why it remains beset by internal crises. He emphasized that leadership issues are at the core of the party’s troubles, alongside other national concerns.
Discussing the implications of party members leaving, Ologbondiyan questioned the appropriateness of dissatisfied members joining their main opponents. He highlighted that such moves often exacerbate existing issues within the party, leading to a weakened opposition and a loss of trust among the electorate. This, he noted, is a significant factor contributing to the ongoing instability within the PDP.
Ologbondiyan pointed out the situation in Rivers State as a notable example of the PDP’s current problems. He explained that the current Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, and former Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, appears to wield considerable influence over both the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the PDP in the state. According to Ologbondiyan, this dual role is problematic and undermines the authority of the sitting governor, who, by the party’s constitution, should be the head of the party in the state unless otherwise agreed.
Furthermore, Ologbondiyan criticized the lack of cohesion within the PDP, stating that the party is not effectively working with its own governor in Rivers State. He mentioned that despite being the ruling party in the state, the PDP is not functioning harmoniously, highlighting the need for better internal coordination. He noted that while a statement was issued by Ologunagba, a party official, affirming that the party cannot abandon its members, this has not translated into practical support and cooperation.
To address these issues, Ologbondiyan suggested that the entire system within the PDP requires recalibration. He called for a reorganization aimed at aligning the party’s operations with the interests of the people, thereby restoring its credibility and effectiveness as a political force. He stressed that without such reforms, the PDP would continue to face significant challenges in providing a viable alternative to the ruling party.
He said: As we speak today, the FCT Minister, former Governor Nyesom Wike, is in charge of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State. He is also in charge of PDP in Rivers State. And to me it is laughable because we have a governor in the state which, according to our party’s constitution, should be the head of the party in the state unless he agrees to the contrary. Even as we speak today, he is the governor under PDPbut hardly has the party working with him unless Ologunagba who issued a statement to say we cannot abandon our own. So the whole system in PDP needs to be recalibrated to work in the interest of the people….Seē _ Morē