The free-for-all that erupted at the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) national secretariat in Abuja on November 18 is a disturbing reminder of the reckless descent of party politics in Nigeria. It is, without question, an embarrassment. That such chaos could unfold at the headquarters of the country’s largest opposition party, in a democracy now in its 26th year, is not only unfortunate but shameful.
The violence was a direct fallout of the party’s contentious national elective convention held in Ibadan between November 15 and 16. It was avoidable. But, as has become a recurring theme in our politics, vested interests and personal ambition overshadowed collective responsibility. Rather than allow internal mechanisms to function, actors within and outside the party chose confrontation over dialogue.
Worse still, the confusion arising from conflicting court orders has intensified the crisis. Since 2023, opposition politics has suffered repeated setbacks from internal conflict, and the PDP is not alone. Similar troubles within the Labour Party, NNPP, ADC, and SDP have fuelled long-standing allegations that the ruling APC benefits from a weakened opposition. Whether these allegations are true or not, their persistence reveals the public’s perception of the ruling party’s willingness to tolerate a functional multiparty system.
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It is important to note that the PDP, historically Nigeria’s dominant ruling party before 2015, now risks becoming a cautionary tale of political mismanagement.
More troubling is the dangerous dimension the PDP crisis has assumed. What unfolded at Wadata Plaza last Tuesday was not merely a party dispute; it had the potential to escalate into wider unrest, particularly in Abuja, where economic hardship has already made conditions ripe for criminality. Political irresponsibility in such an environment is unacceptable.
While PDP leaders may be quick to blame the APC and the government for their woes, we at Daily Trust caution them to focus on rebuilding their party from within. It is equally important for members of the political class to refrain from inflammatory and self-serving remarks, including careless calls for external intervention.
We also believe that security agencies, particularly the police, must also be held accountable. Their conduct in matters relating to the PDP and other opposition parties has raised serious concerns. Their perceived bias and selective enforcement of the law erode confidence in public institutions. The Inspector-General of Police must caution his men against endorsing or protecting illegality.
The judiciary, too, must act to preserve its credibility. It is indefensible that courts of coordinate jurisdiction, specifically the Federal High Court in Abuja and the Oyo State High Court in Ibadan, would issue conflicting orders on similar matters. This contradicts the spirit of the Supreme Court, which earlier this year delivered judgments meant to clarify internal party disputes within the PDP and Labour Party. Although the apex court ruled that such matters are largely internal and non-justiciable except where fundamental human rights are affected, its broad language has allowed lower courts to issue contradictory interpretations. Legal experts have rightly raised concerns over this weakening of judicial authority.
The judiciary must urgently reinforce ethical standards and sanction erring officers to regain public confidence. The Chief Justice of Nigeria and the National Judicial Council cannot continue to ignore the erosion of trust caused by conflicting injunctions and forum shopping.
The role of the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, in the unfolding crisis cannot be ignored. Despite openly campaigning for the re-election of President Tinubu of the APC, he insists that he remains a PDP member and has continued to exert heavy influence on the party. While he maintains the right to association, such influence must be exercised with restraint. His conduct, which has reportedly forced some PDP leaders out of the party and contributed to internal instability, undermines the essence of democratic engagement.
The governors of the party are also not above reproach. When personal ambition clouds judgment and overrides the interests of party faithful and Nigerians seeking a credible alternative, the damage to democracy is profound. Nigeria needs a viable opposition not just for electoral competitiveness but to hold those in power accountable.
Finally, the ruling party and the government must move beyond denials of intent to impose a one-party state. They must demonstrate genuine commitment to democratic pluralism by allowing opposition parties the space to operate without undue interference. A multiparty democracy is not just essential; it is the only viable path for Nigeria’s democratic consolidation.
In a period marked by economic hardship, insecurity, and public distrust of institutions, the need for credible opposition has never been more urgent. Political actors must now put national interest ahead of factional loyalty or risk losing public faith entirely.
The events at the PDP headquarters should serve as a stark warning. Political actors must put the nation above personal ambition. Anything less is a danger to democracy.
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