Connect with us

Politics

PDP’s Resurgence: Forward Ever, Backward Never

Published

on

PDP’s Resurgence: Forward Ever, Backward Never.

By George Omagbemi Sylvester

Published by saharaweeklyng.com

 

“Why Resolve, Reform and National Purpose Will Propel the Peoples Democratic Party Back to Victory.”

 

“FORWARD EVER, BACKWARD NEVER.” These words embody not only a mantra but a clarion call to persistence, strategic renewal and unwavering resolve. In the context of Nigeria’s opposition politics, this phrase captures the essence of why the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), despite its challenges, can and will emerge victorious, not as a relic of past triumphs, but as a revitalised force affirming democratic choice and national progress.

 

To appreciate this assertion, it is essential to examine the PDP’s past, the obstacles it faces today, the evolving political landscape in Nigeria and the pathway that leads toward political success. At the core of this narrative is a simple truth: political resolve (when anchored in reform, unity and purpose) shapes eventual triumph.

 

From Dominance to Diminishment: A Historical Reflection. The PDP was born in 1998 as Nigeria transitioned from decades of military rule to democratic governance. For sixteen uninterrupted years (from 1999 to 2015) the party dominated Nigeria’s political landscape, winning consecutive presidential elections, controlling a majority of federating units and shaping policy across the nation. Its national reach and inclusive structure allowed it to operate not merely as a party but as a dominant stabilising force in the nascent Fourth Republic.

 

Yet, the party’s strength ultimately contributed to its vulnerability. Broad inclusivity without equally robust internal discipline gradually eroded foundational coherence. By 2015, the PDP lost the presidency, marking the beginning of a period of tumult, introspection and transformation.

 

The years that followed revealed leadership crises, factional struggles and public perceptions of a party at war with itself. Infighting over zoning agreements, succession and internal primaries eroded unity. The aftermath of the 2023 elections, in which PDP candidate Atiku Abubakar was defeated by the incumbent and legal challenges were mounted, intensified internal divisions, contributing to defections and weakening the party’s organisational coherence.

 

At its nadir in late 2025, the PDP governed only four states nationwide, compared with double-digit holdings in prior years which is a dramatic reduction that laid bare the seriousness of its challenges.

 

Facing the Storm: Challenges That Tested Resolve. Critics have depicted the PDP as a party in decline, fractured and unable to effectively challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Internal crises have frequently dominated headlines with disputes between governors and national leaders, court battles over leadership and factional discord have plagued the party’s public image.

 

Political analysts note that these disputes at times overshadowed substantive political engagement with Nigerians on core issues like insecurity, unemployment, economic stagnation and infrastructure deficits. Some state chapters struggled operationally and defections by key figures accentuated perceptions of organisational decline.

 

However, to focus solely on weaknesses obscures the resilience embedded in the PDP’s DNA. Throughout its history, the PDP has survived political setbacks before. It has re-emerged, recalibrated and adjusted when confronted with strategic adversity. This historical pattern of resilience is the foundation upon which its recalibration for future success rests.

 

A New Strategic Framework: Unity, Reform and Grassroots Renewal. The path to victory for the PDP is not merely nostalgic but rooted in strategic reform. Political scientist Professor Adebanwi A. once observed: “Political resurgence is not born from mnemonic nostalgia but from reinvigoration of purpose and reengagement with the people.” This principle (bridging ideology with public service) is central to the PDP’s forward march.

 

1. Internal Reconciliation and Leadership Reform.

Unity within the party is not sentimental; it is strategic. Reconciliation among factions, genuine conflict resolution, and adherence to constitutional procedures build trust within the organisation and among Nigerians who look for credible choices beyond the incumbent party. Efforts at reconciliation (such as establishing disciplinary, constitutional reform and unity committees) reflect recognition that old power struggles must yield to common purpose. These steps, if sincerely implemented, strengthen organisational cohesion and signal to the electorate that the PDP is committed to internal democracy and accountability.

 

2. Policy Reorientation Around Citizen Priorities.

Nigerians demand governance that delivers security, economic opportunity, job creation and social inclusion. A reformed PDP that articulates an actionable, evidence-based policy platform (one rooted in improving everyday life) will resonate with voters eager for alternatives that reflect lived realities. The party’s intellectual capital should be marshalled toward a comprehensive platform that responds to issues such as inflation, educational access, healthcare delivery and national security. Opposition without constructive policy proposals will falter; opposition with vision endures.

 

3. Grassroots Mobilisation and Youth Engagement.

Nigeria’s electorate is young. The vitality of the PDP’s future rests with Nigerians under 35 who seek opportunities and credible representation. A revitalised PDP strategy must invest in genuine grassroots mobilisation, youth engagement initiatives and policy platforms that reflect the aspirations of a new generation. Embedded within this strategy is the understanding that political resurgence is not simply electoral but societal though rooted in inclusion, empowerment and shared purpose.

 

The International Dimension: Democracy, Competition and Choice. Nigerians are not alone in navigating the challenges of democratic competition. Globally, vibrant democracies thrive where opposition parties are strong, cohesive and capable of offering credible alternatives. The strength of a political opposition (whether in Latin America, Asia, or Africa) is often the barometer of democratic resilience.

 

Prominent democratic theorist Dr. Joseph Nye once wrote, “Political competition does not weaken statecraft; it strengthens it.” In this light, the PDP’s resurgence is not a Nigerian parochial interest but part of a broader affirmation of competitive democracy, where choices are articulated, alternatives refined and the electorate empowered.

 

International observers often view Nigeria as a bellwether of democratic vitality in Africa. The resurgence of a strong opposition reflects well on democratic institutions and fosters confidence in Nigeria’s political trajectory. Therefore, an emergent PDP (resolute, reformed and future-focused) reinforces the global perception of Nigeria as a thriving democracy.

 

The Broader Opposition Landscape: Unity and Coalition Politics. It is also important to recognise that the PDP’s prospects are intrinsically linked to the broader opposition ecosystem in Nigeria. Coalitions and strategic alliances (like the recently formed efforts among key opposition leaders to challenge one-party dominance) expand the political space and create dynamic pathways for competitive politics.

 

Rather than retreating into isolation, the PDP’s forward strategy embraces cooperation where appropriate, without compromising core values. In doing so, it builds a political front that reflects diversity yet remains anchored in shared principles of democratic governance.

 

Closing Perspective: Forward Ever With Victory Through Resolve. The challenges the PDP has faced in recent years are real with organisational fragmentation, public scepticism, defections and electoral setbacks attest to a period of difficulty. Yet, political history teaches that adversity is not destiny. What defines political success is not the absence of struggle but the resolve to overcome it.

 

The PDP’s future lies in strategic unity, reform-oriented leadership, powerful and people-centered policy articulation and inclusive mobilisation that resonates across demographics.

 

As veteran Nigerian political commentator Professor Olabanji Olajide once said, “A political party that listens, learns and adapts gains not just followers, but trust.” It is trust (not nostalgia) that will unlock the PDP’s pathway to victory.

 

“Forward ever, backward never” is more than a slogan. It is a commitment to resilience, renewal and Nigeria’s democratic promise. With unity, strategic vision and grassroots engagement, the Peoples Democratic Party will emerge not merely victorious in electoral terms, but as a renewed political force anchored in the will and aspirations of Nigerians; ready to lead a united and prosperous Nigeria into a brighter future.

 

PDP’s Resurgence: Forward Ever, Backward Never.

By George Omagbemi Sylvester
Published by saharaweeklyng.com

Politics

Ogun Central To Host Final Zonal Townhall Meeting for Sen. Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, April 30

Published

on

Ogun Central To Host Final Zonal Townhall Meeting for Sen. Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, April 30

-.Removes Hon.Olugbenga Lekuti as Deputy Director General,Ogun East

One of the leading Political Groups, Ogun Visionaries is set to host the final zonal edition of the Sen. Solomon Adeola Yayi town hall meetings in Abeokuta, Ogun State capital. The Ogun Central Edition, scheduled for April 30, 2026, aims to engage the electorate and push for Senator Yayi’s Governorship bid in 2027.

The event is themed ‘Ogun 2027: Yayi For All,’ marking the finale of the zonal town hall meetings.

Addressing Journalists on Tuesday in Abeokuta, Ogun State Capital,the Director General of Ogun Visionaries, Hon. Leye Odunjo, said the meeting will draw key stakeholders from Ogun Central’s political power circle.

Hon.odunjo stated that the event will kick off with a health walk, ‘Ogun Visionaries For Yayi Unity Walk,’ in the morning of April 30, 2026.The walk is themed ‘Let’s Walk for A United and Prosperous Ogun State,’ aiming to rally support for Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola Governorship aspiration.

“The town hall meeting is expected to feature prominent personalities, including Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola Yayi as the Special Guest of Honour. The event will provide a platform for interaction and engagement with the electorate”.

Ogun Visionaries has successfully held town hall meetings in Ogun West and Ogun East senatorial districts. The Ogun Central Edition is the final zonal meeting before moving to LGAs and wards.

The Director General while acknowledging the support received from various personalities since inception of the group,disclosed that distinguished individuals would be honoured with Award of Recognition during the event.

Odunjo, who is also a Senior Legislative Aide to the Deputy Senate President said “The political atmosphere in Ogun State is reportedly in tune with the people’s yearning for Yayi’s emergence. Ogun Visionaries is at the forefront of making this a reality.

“The event aims to unite stakeholders and push for a prosperous Ogun State. With Senator Yayi’s popularity growing, the meeting is expected to draw a large turnout.

“The Ogun Central Edition will provide a platform for stakeholders to interact and engage with the electorate. The event is seen as a crucial step towards achieving the group’s goals.

“Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola Yayi’s presence is expected to energize supporters and further boost his campaign for 2027” he added

Meanwhile, Ogun Visionaries has announced removal of Hon Olugbenga Lekuti as the Deputy Director General, DDG,Ogun East, of the group.

Announcing the removal in a brief statement made available to Journalists, Hon.Odunjo stated that Hon.Lekuti was relieved of the position as a result of his anti -group and anti -Yayi’s acts.

He added that a new Deputy Director General would be announced in due course.

Continue Reading

Politics

Political Earthquake in Kano: How, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, Nasiru Gawuna’s Move to ADC Reshapes North-West Politics

Published

on

Political Earthquake in Kano: How, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, Nasiru Gawuna’s Move to ADC Reshapes North-West Politics

 

 

The political atmosphere of Nigeria’s North-West was fundamentally altered on a sweltering afternoon in 2026 after Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso former Governor of Kano State and Former Minister for Defence who is also the “Grand Commander” of the Red-Cap revolution, finalized a move that many viewed as the ultimate masterstroke of his political career. By transitioning from the NNPP to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Kwankwaso did more than change platforms; he effectively reset the coordinates of the nation’s largest voting bloc.

 

Senator Kwankwaso’s pedigree is defined by a singular devotion to human capital development and an almost mythical grassroots loyalty preceded him. He turned a local movement, the Kwankwasiyya, into a disciplined, ideological army that transcends traditional party structures. His entry into the ADC instantly transformed a secondary party into a formidable fortress, signaling to the ruling elite that the North-West is no longer a monolith under their control.

 

The gravity of this shift is most profound in Kano, the heartbeat of Northern commerce. For years, the state was a polarized battlefield between the Kwankwasiyya and established conservative wings. However, the entry of Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna into the same ADC orbit has created a “Kano Super-Alliance” that was previously unthinkable. Kwankwaso, the visionary architect who sent thousands of Kano’s children to global universities, now finds his populist ideology merging with Gawuna’s administrative steadiness and deep-rooted institutional connections.

 

This synergy is a seismic departure from the politics of “zero-sum” rivalry; it is a calculated fusion of mass appeal and the strategic machinery required to protect and deliver votes.

This move reshuffles the entire North-West deck. As Kwankwaso plants the ADC flag across the region, he is attracting a wave of heavyweights from Kaduna to Sokoto who feel marginalized by the status quo. His political pedigree allows him to speak with a regional authority that others lack, positioning himself as a protector during a time of economic uncertainty. By bringing Gawuna into this fold, the dynamics of Kano politics have shifted from a war of attrition to a coalition of necessity. This alliance creates a “Third Way” that bypasses the failures of the old guard, promising a return to the rapid growth that defined the Kwankwaso years, but with a broader, more inclusive base that could dictate the occupant of Aso Rock in 2027.

 

Kwankwaso’s career has always been defined by a uniquely personal brand of power. From 1999 to 2015, he served two terms as Governor of Kano State, in addition to roles as Minister of Defence and Senator. While many were surprised by his recent maneuvers; especially following closed-door meetings with President Bola Tinubu, he chose the emerging ADC over the ruling APC.

 

In the high-stakes theater of Nigerian politics, few events have jolted the region quite like the defection of Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna from the APC to the ADC on March 31, 2026. Coming just twenty-four hours after Kwankwaso’s move, Gawuna’s transition fundamentally has also altered the political calculus in Kano. What makes this moment remarkable is the sheer drama of the reversal. Gawuna’s political journey has been a steady, calculated ascent through Kano’s establishment. He first shot to prominence as Commissioner of Agriculture under Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, earning a reputation for hands-on management in a state where farming is the economic backbone. He eventually rose to Deputy Governor, serving for nearly six years and gaining invaluable executive experience. Beyond partisan politics, Gawuna distinguished himself as Chairman of the Governing Council of Bayero University and, most recently, as Chairman of the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN). He resigned from the FMBN on March 27, 2026, citing compliance with presidential directives regarding political appointees.

 

A look back at the 2023 gubernatorial election reveals just how significant Gawuna is. Running under the APC, he polled over 890,000 votes against the formidable Kwankwasiyya machine. This proved that he is one of the few politicians in Kano who can genuinely compete with Kwankwaso’s electoral machinery. His strength is threefold: he appeals to the youth, the religious establishment (Ulama), and the business community; he has the capacity to split the APC vote; and he has demonstrated he can deliver votes independently of a larger party wave. To understand the magnitude of this defection, one must appreciate the complete inversion of alliances since 2023. Back then, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf ran on the NNPP ticket with Kwankwaso’s backing, while Gawuna carried the APC banner with Ganduje’s support. By 2027, the roles will likely reverse: Governor Yusuf is positioned to run under the APC with Ganduje’s blessing, while Gawuna is poised to run under the ADC with Kwankwaso’s endorsement.

 

From the perspective of the Kwankwasiyya movement, Gawuna’s arrival is a “return” rather than a “recruitment,” as he was part of the movement’s pioneer cohort. This narrative neutralizes accusations of opportunism. For his part, Gawuna framed his move in terms of service and divine guidance, with sources indicating he felt marginalized within the APC after his 2023 defeat.

 

The reaction from within the APC has been one of worry and regret. President Tinubu, recognizing the stakes, reportedly directed party leaders to prevent Gawuna’s move, even offering him an automatic Senatorial ticket for 2027. The failure of this pressure campaign, Gawuna reportedly placed his phone on “Do Not Disturb” and traveled abroad to avoid lobbyists represents a significant defeat for the presidency’s political management. This crisis prompted emergency meetings between President Tinubu, Dr. Ganduje, and Badaru Abubakar at the Presidential Villa to reorganize their strategy.

 

The long-term implication is the potential break of the APC-PDP duopoly. The ADC is now positioning itself as a genuine “third force” in the North-West. The defection of high-profile figures like Senator Ahmed Babba-Kaita, Senator Aishatu “Binani” Ahmed, and former Justice Minister Abubakar Malami suggests a coordinated realignment. This competition could force more substantive policy debates and reduce the “zero-sum” intensity of regional elections.

 

The projected 2027 gubernatorial rematch between Gawuna (ADC) and Governor Yusuf (APC) will be a battle between two men with established records. Voters will have a genuine choice between performance and platform rather than just shifting loyalties. As Gawuna put it: “Allah gives power to whom He wants and when He wants.” While the 2027 elections will reveal where that power flows, it is already clear that the political landscape of the North-West will never look the same again.

Continue Reading

Politics

Governor Dauda Lawal Approves Gratuity Payment

Published

on

Governor Dauda Lawal Approves Gratuity Payment

The Zamfara State Government, under the visionary leadership of Governor Dauda Lawal, has approved the release of funds for the payment of Gratuity Batch 3 for the 2024/25 period. This decisive action underscores the administration’s unwavering commitment to the welfare of retired civil servants who dedicated years of service to the state’s development.

The Accountant General of the State is already working diligently to ensure that all eligible retirees receive their payments promptly and efficiently, reflecting the government’s resolve to uphold transparency and accountability in the disbursement process.

This timely gratuity payment is a testament to Governor Dauda Lawal’s people-centered leadership, which recognizes the sacrifices and contributions of retirees to the progress and stability of Zamfara State. It also reaffirms the government’s pledge to honor its financial obligations without unnecessary delays.

The Zamfara State Government calls on all retirees in the affected batch to exercise patience as the necessary administrative and financial processes are finalized. Every effort is being made to ensure smooth and uninterrupted payments.

This initiative is part of Governor Dauda Lawal’s broader vision to empower citizens and retirees, strengthen confidence in public service, and sustain the morale of those who have committed their lives to the growth of Zamfara State.

Continue Reading

Cover Of The Week

Trending