The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Thursday harshly criticized President Bola Tinubu’s Independence Day speech, labeling it “pathetic, boring, and uninspiring,” while simultaneously grappling with deepening internal divisions ahead of its November national convention in Ibadan.
At a press briefing in Abuja, PDP National Publicity Secretary, Hon. Debo Ologunagba, dismissed the speech as typical APC propaganda filled with “lies and poor statistics.” He expressed disbelief at Tinubu’s claim that the economy had improved under his administration.
“Is he talking about turning the corner on insecurity or parents struggling to pay school fees?” Ologunagba questioned, adding that Nigerians have been dragged back into “bondage” despite trillions saved from subsidy removal.
The opposition party called for transparency on subsidy removal and loan applications by the APC government.
Factional Struggles Overshadow Convention
While projecting itself as a voice of accountability, the PDP is embroiled in a bitter leadership crisis. A power struggle between the National Working Committee (NWC), led by acting Chairman Umar Damagum, and National Secretary Senator Samuel Anyanwu, has cast doubt over the smooth conduct of the November 15–16 convention.
The conflict escalated when the NWC postponed congresses in Cross River, Plateau, and Kebbi states, a move openly defied by Anyanwu, who instructed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ignore the postponement. Cross River’s congress went ahead regardless, with the NWC branding it a “carnival.”
Similarly, Anyanwu countermanded the NWC’s decision to dissolve the Akwa Ibom State executive council, instructing the ousted exco to remain in office.
Ologunagba downplayed Anyanwu’s defiance, citing PDP’s constitution to affirm that the chairman, not the secretary, holds the authority to convene meetings.
Akwa Ibom Controversy
The crisis in Akwa Ibom is further complicated by Governor Umo Eno’s recent defection to the APC. The PDP accuses Eno of trying to maintain influence within PDP structures, a violation of party rules against dual allegiances.
In a leaked video, Governor Eno revealed plans to “run both parties” for the sake of “unity,” saying:
“We would not leave the PDP for thieves to hijack and use it against us.”
A Party in Disarray
Despite attempts to present a united front, the PDP’s internal discord undermines its criticism of the APC. Analysts argue that the factional battles, leader defections, and contradictory actions highlight a party struggling to manage itself — raising questions about its ability to mount an effective opposition challenge in 2027.
Ologunagba, however, remains optimistic:
“The train has arrived in Ibadan; we are far ahead of the distractions.”
