The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is confronting one of the most serious crises in its history, with internal factionalism, court battles, and failed reconciliation efforts threatening the national convention scheduled for Saturday in Ibadan.
Professor Abiodun Adeniyi, a communications scholar at Baze University and a current affairs analyst, described the party’s challenges as longstanding and unlikely to be resolved quickly.
Speaking to Arise News on Friday, he said the party’s problems dated back several years and warned that meaningful resolution would require significant sacrifices by party leaders.
“The PDP’s troubles didn’t start overnight.
“This has been festering for perhaps three years. Every week seems to bring a new challenge.
”The party’s failure to address internal fractures properly opened the door for judicial intervention, ” he said.
According to the professor, past opportunities for consensus were missed, and reliance on the courts has done little to restore cohesion.
“If they hope to resolve this crisis, they must return to the negotiating table, regardless of the egos that may need to be set aside,” he added.
He stressed that true reconciliation would require compromise from leaders across all factions.
“Sacrifices in pride and prestige are necessary for them to become a strong opposition again.
”But under current circumstances, that seems unlikely in the near future, ” he said.
Professor Adeniyi also weighed in on the recent viral confrontation between FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and a naval officer in Abuja. He noted that both parties erred in judgment.
“There was a breach of process and civility on both sides. The minister could have engaged intermediaries rather than confronting a junior officer directly.
“The officer may have been following orders, but those orders were inappropriate for a civil environment. The police, not the military, should have handled it, ” he explained.
He acknowledged that the situation had been defused, noting that the minister appeared contrite and military authorities offered explanations.
“Going forward, civil relations must be respected to prevent similar incidents,” Prof. Adeniyi said.
Addressing concerns over a slip by British broadcaster Piers Morgan referring to “Chibok boys” instead of girls, Professor Adeniyi dismissed claims of serious bias.
He said the minister should remain confident in the process, emphasising that audiences should ultimately judge such exchanges.
“The minister trusted the interview, and there is no need to overreact. The audience is the final arbiter,” he he said.
