In a significant shift of power dynamics within Nigeria’s political landscape, the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has failed to assert control over the minority leadership in the National Assembly. This development highlights the gradual weakening of the party and exposes internal divisions among its members. A group of former PDP governors, known as the G-5, strategically influenced the selection process by leveraging financial politics and collaborating with other opposition elements. As a result, the PDP’s preferred candidates lost out to the G-5’s choices, demonstrating the ruling party’s involvement in undermining the opposition.
In the Senate, the appointed majority leadership includes Senator Opeyemi Bamidele as Majority Leader, Dave Umahi as Deputy Majority Leader, Senator Ali Ndume as Chief Whip, Senator Lola Ashiru as Deputy Whip, Simon Mwadkwon as Minority Leader, and Oyewunmi Olalere as Deputy Minority Leader. Similarly, in the House of Representatives, Hon. Julius Ihonvbere was named Majority Leader, Hone Abdullahi Halims as Deputy Majority Leader, Hon. Bello Kumo as Chief Whip, Adewunmi Onanuga as Deputy Chief Whip, and Kingsley Chinda, an ally of Governor Wike, as Minority Leader.
The mainstream PDP suffered a setback as it failed to secure the minority leadership positions in both chambers of the National Assembly. The G-5, in alliance with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), worked to diminish the PDP’s influence within the legislature. The G-5’s collaboration with other opposition parties, particularly the Labour Party (LP), further weakened the PDP’s standing. This orchestrated strategy aimed to keep the opposition party in perpetual opposition, overshadowed by the ruling party.
The disunity within the PDP traces back to the presidential primary, where the withdrawal of one aspirant, Aminu Tambuwal, in favor of Atiku Abubakar sparked tensions. Governor Wike, another presidential aspirant, expressed dissatisfaction with Tambuwal’s decision, especially when the suspended National Chairman of the party, Iyorchia Ayu, praised Tambuwal as the “hero of the convention.” This disagreement led to a rebellion spearheaded by Wike and his allies, who demanded Ayu’s resignation to ensure power balance within the party.
Despite the PDP’s willingness to address the demands after the general election, the G-5 rejected this proposition and continued to wage war against the party’s leadership. Recently, this internal strife manifested at the National Assembly when Tambuwal, who allegedly thwarted Wike’s presidential ambitions by stepping down for Atiku, was rumored to be the party and Atiku’s choice for Minority Leader. The G-5 resolved to remain in opposition to the PDP, seizing opportunities to retaliate against the party.
This series of events illustrates the PDP’s struggle to maintain unity and control over its members. The influence of the G-5, in collaboration with other opposition parties and the ruling party, has further weakened the PDP’s position, relegating it to a secondary role within the legislature. The ongoing power dynamics continue to shape Nigeria’s political landscape, leaving the PDP grappling with internal divisions and diminishing influence.