Politics

Emergence Of Atiku And The Hopeful End To Edo PDP Crisis

Published

4 years ago

June 3, 2022

The presidential primary of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, held last week in Abuja produced a man many of his political associates refer to as a ‘unifier’; a man who is politically experienced, being privileged to occupy the number two position of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. As being referred to by some persons particularly his political associates, the emergence Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, as the presidential flag-bearer of the party, many believe, would unify the party and bring warring factions in different states of the country under the big umbrella as one family.

For instance, the Edo State chapter of the party has been, in recent time, embroiled in an internecine dispute. The battle is of which faction between the Dan Orbih and Obaseki’s should exercise control of the party structure in the state. Obaseki, immediately after his re-election, as the leader of the party going by the PDP constitution, had made several attempts to take control of the party structure from the ‘old executive’ to replace them with what he referred to as ‘harmonized executive.’

Though the national body of the party at a time tried to wade in to see if it could resolve the logjam with the setting up of the Gov Samuel Ortom-led committee, the report of that committee barely scratched the surface of the deeply rooted crisis. The ruling party was still reeling in that state of chaos and confusion until it went into the serious business of electing party candidates during its primaries. And of course, the rancor and division in the party resulted in the party conducting parallel primaries and consequently producing parallel candidates for different elective positions.

It is, however, of the belief that the coming of Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, an old political warhorse, as the party’s presidential flag-bearer would ultimately be the soothing balm that will compel the acrimonious combatants to sheathe sword and embrace peace.

The hope of a possible and quick resolution of the intractable Edo PDP crisis is anchored on the premise of the campaign theme of Atiku as the “unifier”.

Political observers in the state are of the firm belief that the Wazirin Adamawa possesses the clout to restore peace and stability to the crisis-ridden since the majority of the power brokers in the centre of the tussle have at one time or another belonged to his political camp.

Dr. Tony Aziegbemi, the party’s state chairman and also an apostle of unification, is one of those confident that the end is in sight as regards the crisis rocking the state chapter of the party. His optimism is based on the emergence of Atiku Abubakar as well as the magic wand his aura and clout will bring to bear on compelling the contending political forces to adopt moderate positions rather than extreme positions that tend to tug vigorously on the heart of the party.

Besides, pundits are also of the view that Atiku’s intervention will settle the power tussle between the chief protagonists, Gov Obaseki and Chief Dan Orbih, both of whom seem to hold the ace in the crisis rocking the party in the state.

Joe Ebi, is an Edo-based journalist and affairs analyist

Politics

Peter Obi Meets US Consul General, Hopes For Credible Polls In 2027

Published

10 hours ago

May 5, 2026

Editor

Chieftain of the Nigerian Democratic Congress, NDC, Peter Obi on Tuesday held a meeting with United States Consul General, Mr Rick Swart.

Obi made this known via his X handle.

He said “This morning, in Lagos, I met with the U.S. Consul General, Mr Rick Swart, where we discussed strengthening the bilateral relationship. We focused on promoting credible elections in Nigeria, ensuring they are free from interference, and fostering a space where all political parties, especially opposition parties can thrive, and contribute.

“We also discussed trade and business opportunities between our countries. Accompanying me to the meeting was Dr Adefolaseye Adebomi Adebayo.

“The discussion was very productive, and we are hopeful that, moving forward, Nigeria’s elections will be even more credible and transparent.”

Politics

BREAKING: 17 ADC Reps Follow Join NDC

Published

16 hours ago

May 5, 2026

Editor

About 17 African Democratic Congress, ADC, lawmakers in the House of Representatives have defected to the Nigerian Democratic Congress, NDC.

This was disclosed by Speaker Abass Tajudeen on the floor of the House on Tuesday.

Tajudeen also announced the defection of Leke Abejide from the ADC to the All Progressives Congress, APC.

Lawmakers who defected to the NDC include Yusuf Datti, Uchenna Okonkwo, Adamu Wakili, Thaddeus Attah, George Ozodinobi, Lilian Orogbu, Oluwaseyi Sowunmi, Peter Aniekwe, Mukhtar Zakari, George Oluwande and Munachim Umezuruike.

Others are Emeka Idu, Jesse Onuakalusi, Ifeanyi Uzokwe, Afam Ogene and Abdulhakeem Ado.

This comes barely a day after former presidential candidates Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso defected from the ADC to the NDC.

Obi and Kwankwaso have pledged to continue their pursuit for a better Nigeria in the NDC.

Politics

JUST IN: Why I left ADC For NDC With Kwankwaso – Peter Obi Opens Up

Published

1 day ago

May 4, 2026

Editor

A former presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has given reasons why he resigned from the African Democratic Congress, ADC, to join the Nigerian Democratic Congress, NDC, alongside a former governor of Kano State, Rabiu Kwankwaso.

In a long post on X on Monday, Obi insisted it was not out of anger or ambition.

Rather, he said the move is a continuation of the quest to build a new Nigeria.

Obi wrote: “Yesterday, I formally joined the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), alongside my dear brother, Engr. Dr Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, with one clear purpose: to continue the struggle for a new Nigeria built on justice, competence, accountability, and compassion for the ordinary Nigerian.

“As I stated yesterday, this decision was not made out of anger, personal ambition, or convenience. It came after deep reflection on the present condition of our nation and the urgent need to rescue Nigeria from the dangerous path it is currently heading.

“Over the years, I have remained steadfast in my conviction that politics should never be about individuals, positions, or personal gain. It must be about the people, especially the millions of Nigerians who today can no longer afford necessities, whose businesses are collapsing, whose children are losing hope, and whose future is becoming increasingly uncertain.

“I left the ADC for the same reason I left the Labour Party: the severe, orchestrated litigation and internal crises deliberately designed to ensure that I, alongside many other notable individuals, do not effectively participate in the electoral process. I sincerely appreciate and remain deeply grateful to the Leadership of ADC for the opportunity to work together in pursuit of a better Nigeria. I am particularly grateful to ADC Chairman Senator David Mark for his exceptional Leadership. I also deeply appreciate my Leader and elder brother YE, Atiku Abubakar, as well as other respected leaders within the party.

“As we join the NDC, I sincerely appeal to the Nigerian Government against the encouragement of unresolved litigations and the infusion of crises within political parties. Democracy must never become a weapon against the people. A healthy democracy thrives on strong institutions, credible alternatives, and the freedom of citizens to make choices without intimidation, manipulation, or fear. Opposition parties must not be weakened or destroyed, because when democracy loses balance, the people ultimately suffer.

“Nigeria today is passing through one of the most difficult periods in its history. Poverty is rising. Hunger is widespread. Insecurity continues to threaten lives and livelihoods. Businesses are shutting down daily. Our young people are becoming discouraged, and many citizens have lost faith in the system. At a time like this, leadership must be driven not by propaganda or division, but by competence, capacity, character, and compassion.

“Our decision to join the NDC is therefore not an abandonment of values, but a continuation of the same mission we have always stood for: building a Nigeria where leadership is about service, where public resources are managed responsibly, where institutions function independently, and where every Nigerian, regardless of tribe, religion, region, or social status, can live with dignity, security, and hope.

“I remain committed to working with all Nigerians of goodwill across political, ethnic, and religious lines. The task before us is bigger than any individual or political party. It is about the future of our children and the survival of our dear nation.

“I thank Nigerians, especially our youths and women, for remaining peaceful, resilient, and hopeful despite the enormous challenges confronting the country. I urge you not to lose faith in Nigeria. Nations do not change because people surrender to hopelessness; they change because people continue to believe, continue to sacrifice, and continue to stand for what is right.”