A Candid Reflection on the PDP‘s Path to Ondo State 2024 Gubernatorial Election
Dear Fellow Democrats,
Following recent electoral setbacks and palpable underperformance in the November 11, 2023, gubernatorial elections, it is critical for us, members of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), to engage in a reflective dialogue about the future of our party, especially as we approach the upcoming Ondo State gubernatorial election in 2024. We must acknowledge that the road ahead is challenging, but we must also recognise the opportunity it presents for us to rebuild and redefine our party’s identity. It is crucial that we thoroughly analyse the reasons behind our previous failures, identify our weaknesses, and develop a new comprehensive strategy to regain the trust and support of the people. By fostering unity within our ranks, embracing inclusivity, and aligning ourselves with the aspirations of the electorate, we can pave the way for a successful campaign and secure victory in the Ondo State gubernatorial election.
It’s undeniable that the political environment is evolving, and the recent elections did expose some uncomfortable truths about the strength of the party. The People’s Democratic Party, once a powerhouse in Nigerian politics, has struggled to maintain its political influence, effectively communicate its policies, and connect with voters, leading to a decline in grassroots support. Moreover, internal dissension and factionalism within the party have weakened its organisational structure and its ability to mobilise support. For instance, in the 2023 presidential elections, the PDP suffered significant losses to the APC, winning only 18.89% of the electoral vote compared to the APC’s 68.03% in Ondo State, and the PDP won 29.07% to the APC’s 36.61% in all. The party failed to secure a single victory by a wide margin in the gubernatorial elections in Bayelsa, Imo, and Kogi, which took place on November 11, 2023. Some may argue that these recent losses are simply a temporary setback and that the party can bounce back in future elections. However, the consistent decline in electoral performance across multiple states and levels of government suggests deeper issues that the party needs to address. Ignoring these challenges and assuming a quick recovery could be detrimental to the party’s long-term prospects.
One of the most obvious issues that we, as active members and supporters, cannot afford to ignore is the ongoing rift within our party. We all seem to be disconnected from one another. The very essence of democracy lies in the diversity of ideas and perspectives, but when internal conflicts become the focal point, it can lead to a lack of party loyalty and cohesiveness and thus divide the voter base, ultimately weakening the party’s chances of winning, as seen in the recent elections. The contributing factors to any party’s internal struggles include recurring leadership tussles at every level, factionalism, candidate selection for elections during primary elections, a lack of internal democracy, as well as external factors such as high-profile defections of key members and communication issues.
The ongoing cold war within our ranks over the selection of the next governor of Ondo State is a result of the deep divisions within the party. These divisions stem from disagreements on the personal ambitions of different factions within the party and a lack of consensus on the criteria for selecting the next governor. As a result, tensions have been running high, and there seems to be a growing sense of animosity between different groups within the party. The geographic divisions of the state should not become battlegrounds during the selection of the next governor.
It’s worth noting that political parties often face these challenges, and the People’s Democratic Party is not unique in this regard. The PDP, during its reign as the ruling party in Nigeria for many years, played a pivotal role in shaping the country’s political and economic landscape. It gained a reputation for championing democratic ideals and advocating for the rights and welfare of the people. As a result, the general public held high expectations of the party’s ability to uphold these principles and effectively address the challenges facing the nation. The people believed that the PDP could leverage its experience and knowledge to provide effective governance and solutions to the country’s immediate problems. But to tell the truth, these strifes seem to have dented the faith of the people, even the grassroots in our party. Arguably, some may say that these struggles do not necessarily erode public faith. They may contend that the public is more concerned with an individual’s personality, policy outcomes, and the party’s ability to deliver on its promises than internal party dynamics. While their arguments are indeed important, a party’s internal conflicts can have significant impacts on its ability to realise its goal. When factionalism and power struggles dominate, it can lead to a lack of unity, strife, and a diversion of resources away from serving the party’s interests.
So, what can we do differently to achieve success in the Ondo State 2024 Gubernatorial Election?
Internal Reconciliation: It’s time for the People’s Democratic Party to engage in sincere dialogue and reconciliation. Leaders from all factions must come together, bury the hatchet, and put the collective interest of the party above personal ambitions. The ability to compromise and find common ground is the cornerstone of a formidable political force. The electorate needs to see a united front, a party that stands for the interests of the people rather than internal power plays.
Inclusive Candidate Selection: The people of Ondo State deserve a candidate who reflects the great image of the party and its diversity and aspirations for the entire state. It is important to ensure that aspirants from different regions of the state know that they have equal consideration representation and support from whomever the party chooses. This is crucial for maintaining unity within the party and preventing the fracture of our oneness. By including candidates from various regions, we can foster a sense of inclusivity and demonstrate to other aspirants that our party values representation and diversity.
Transparent Primary Elections: Both the party and aspirant must commit to conducting transparent and credible primary elections—and give those involved in the primary selection process a meaningful, non-biassed choice of their chosen candidate. The party representatives, too, will need to be able to put party loyalty above personal strife or gain, however difficult it may be.
Rebuilding Trust: Regaining the trust of the electorate is paramount. The PDP needs to embark on a robust public relations campaign, showcasing a renewed commitment to good governance, accountability, and people-centric policies. This can include specific initiatives such as increasing transparency in government processes, implementing anti-corruption measures, prioritising security and social welfare programmes, and addressing key issues that are important to the people of Ondo State, such as healthcare, education, and job creation.
Youth and Women’s Inclusion: Actively involve the youth and women in the decision-making processes. They represent a significant demographic, and their perspectives are crucial in shaping the future of our party. The inclusion of youth and women brings fresh ideas, diverse experiences, and a different approach to problem-solving. By actively involving them in decision-making processes, we can tap into their potential, ensure that their voices are heard, and demonstrate that our party values representation and diversity. And the party can be proud of having right-minded ambassadors at its grassroots.
In conclusion, the road to success in the Ondo State 2024 Gubernatorial Election is not an easy one, but it is not insurmountable. By addressing our internal challenges, fostering unity, and placing the interests of the people at the forefront, we can reclaim our position as a party that truly represents the hopes and aspirations of the good people of Ondo State.
Let us embark on this journey together, with renewed vigour, determination, and a commitment to a better future.
Yours in Democratic Solidarity,
Adewale Adegoroye
A Concerned PDP Member