Paul Utho: Navigating the way forward for the PDP

by Paul Utho

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The loss in the 2015 elections should be an eye opener and a wake-up call to the political class in Nigeria that power is transient and that the will of the people supersedes theirs.

 

With the conclusion of the 2015 general elections, reality has no doubt, dawned on the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) that they are not invincible and can be unseated, contrary to their beliefs and self-delusion.

Before the 2015 elections, the PDP had told all who cared to listen that they will be in power for 60 years before any opposition party can taste power. While they continued with business as usual, the opposition perfected its strategy and made history, not just by defeating an incumbent president but dismantling the stronghold of the PDP in the north and returning an incumbent governor for the first time in the history of Oyo State.

As expected, Nigerian politicians did not disappointed as they trooped en-mass to join the APC, the new bride of Nigerian politics, thereby setting the stage for the demise of the PDP and the laying of the foundation stone for a one party state. Out of the 28 registered political parties in Nigeria, only about 14 of them participated in the general elections. The others played safe by endorsing popular candidates. Everyone knew it was going to be a 2 horse race between the APC & the PDP.

The merger that birthed the All Progressive Alliance into the political terrain is a welcome development & one that should be applauded. Before their arrival, the PDP carried on as if Nigerians had no option and that it was the PDP or nothing. CHANGE has come but we must also guard against drifting into a one party state structure, a situation that will not augur well for our fledgling democracy. This is the sad reality that stirs us in the face.

The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) therefore needs to dust off this defeat, bounce back and become a credible opposition to the All Progressive Congress (APC).  With its national spread (which it still has & enjoins), the PDP has what it takes to become a force to reckon with again as there are many who still believe in the ideology of its founding fathers as a party that can provide a covering for all. Its slogan “Power to the People” needs to be awakened in the hearts of Nigerians again. Before it can do all this however, it must first set its house in order. The People’s Democratic Party needs to embark on an immediate rebuilding or remodelling process and strengthening of its party structure if it hopes to survive in the coming years. It needs to ‘borrow ’a ‘broom’ from the APC and sweep its house clean. The game has changed and they must also change in order to make impact in the coming years. I therefore propose thus:

  1. That it takes a critical look at its ‘founding’ ideology and rediscover itself
  2. That the founding fathers of the PDP be consulted and their counsel applied as part of their survival strategy going forward
  3. An extra ordinary assembly or convention be called for
  4. That its current BOT be dissolved and reconstituted, bringing fresh ideas with a long term focus
  5. Its officers at the national level should be relieved of their duties. Interim officers can be appointed
  6. Party officers, leaders or elders at state level, especially where such leaders have overseen two or more elections without recording any success, should be relieved of their duties. Aspirants in these states should be brought together & given direct responsibilities in their states
  7. Inject fresh blood & ideas into the party. Let the elders lead from behind, let the youths lead from the front.
  8. Embark on new strategies for recruitment drive, involving the youths
  9. Establish a feedback mechanism

This is not exhaustive but it is a start.

It is instructive to note that it took just about two years of rigorous work on the part of the APC to succeed in the 2015 elections. The PDP has 4 years to the next elections and can start working assiduously to give the APC a run for their money. They should not wait till 2018. The PDP need to set up watch towers and monitor the activities of the APC, especially making sure they deliver on their election promises.

The loss in the 2015 elections should be an eye opener and a wake-up call to the political class in Nigeria that power is transient and that the will of the people supersedes theirs.

Mistakes have been made, and it’s time to apply the lessons from those mistakes. Nigerians are now more political enlightened than ever & they want to get involved in the political process. Most Nigerians today are looking for political parties that fit their ideology; that can carry them along and that can compete in the political landscape. The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has the golden opportunity of reaching out to such Nigerians and giving them a sense of belonging going forward. The time is now

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@paulutho is a political communicator & a strategic planner

Op-ed pieces and contributions are the opinions of the writers only and do not represent the opinions of Y!/YNaija.

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