Expired Mandates Must Go: A Call for Rebirth in the People’s Democratic Party

By George Omagbemi Sylvester

In a country grappling with the deepest crises of its post-independence history, ranging from economic despair to democratic regression, there is no space for expired mandates or recycled leadership. Yet, within the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), both at home and in the diaspora, many individuals who have long outlived their political relevance continue to occupy leadership positions. These individuals, once symbols of hope, have now become obstacles to progress, clinging to power not for service but for self-preservation.

The time has come to say it clearly and without apology: they must go. Nigeria cannot afford another electoral cycle wasted on nostalgia and recycled strategies. The PDP must embark on a painful but necessary ideological and structural rebirth. If we are to remain a viable political force capable of saving Nigeria from the catastrophic misrule of the All Progressives Congress (APC), then we must begin by purging our ranks of dead weight.

When Leadership Becomes Liability
True leadership is tested not during times of ease, but in moments of national adversity. Sadly, during some of Nigeria’s darkest moments, when the people needed courage, clarity and conviction, many of the PDP’s so-called leaders were either silent, complicit or comfortably absent. While Nigerians suffered the brunt of failed policies, currency freefall, widespread kidnappings and systemic corruption under APC rule since 2015, these leaders were either engaged in backdoor negotiations or gracing dinners hosted by the same regime they were elected to challenge.

This betrayal is not merely political; it is moral. The PDP was founded as a platform for justice, inclusion and national development. Its current condition, tainted by the complicity and cowardice of career politicians, is a disgrace to that vision. Rather than resist tyranny, these political merchants have preferred transactional alliances, preferring personal gain over public good.

Opposition Is Not a Hobby: It Is a Calling
Politics in a democracy, especially from the opposition bench, is not for the faint-hearted. It requires backbone, vision and a readiness to speak truth to power, even at personal cost. But in Nigeria, opposition politics has too often been reduced to empty press releases, Twitter activism and superficial coalition-building that collapses at the scent of political appeasement. The PDP’s most vocal moments seem to come only during electoral seasons, when contracts are on the line and tickets are up for grabs.

This is not opposition, it is opportunism.

Since the APC took power in 2015, Nigeria has faced an alarming regression on nearly every front. Our economy, once Africa’s largest, now wallows in inflation, unemployment and a crumbling Naira. Insecurity has turned vast swathes of the country into killing fields. Democratic institutions have been weakened and civil liberties trampled. And yet, the PDP has not offered the formidable resistance expected of a party with its legacy. Where was the outrage when election results were manipulated? Where was the coordination when court orders were disobeyed or when citizens were gunned down during peaceful protests?

Far too often, PDP leaders have failed to meet the moment. Instead of organizing sustained campaigns against injustice, they were busy negotiating political appointments, forming alliances of convenience or going mute entirely.

The Curse of Recycled Leadership
Nigeria suffers not from a lack of talent, but from the stranglehold of geriatric politics. The same names dominate the PDP’s leadership structure year after year, individuals more committed to preserving their influence than solving Nigeria’s problems. Their ideas are outdated, their rhetoric tired and their loyalty questionable. These figures are relics of a past that Nigerians are desperately trying to escape.

It is this recycling of failed politicians that keeps the party in perpetual crisis. These individuals cling to “UNITY” not as a principle of inclusion, but as a euphemism for entitlement. They manipulate internal processes, undermine youth participation and resist reform. Their refusal to exit the stage is not only selfish; it is dangerous. They have nothing more to offer but delays, distractions and diluted strategies.

A Generational Reawakening
The PDP must now prioritize generational transition; not as a symbolic gesture, but as a matter of strategic survival. The future of opposition in Nigeria depends on the rise of a new crop of leaders, men and women who are untainted by the corruption of the past and committed to confronting the APC with courage, clarity and creativity.

We must restructure our internal systems to promote merit, innovation and grassroots participation. The party must become a sanctuary for activists, youth leaders, technocrats and political reformers, individuals who are willing to stake their reputations and risk personal comfort in service to the people. We need leaders who do not seek comfort in compromise but purpose in resistance.

This change must start from the ward level to the National Working Committee. The culture of “godfatherism,” imposition and shadow deals must end. If we fail to democratize our own party, how can we claim to defend democracy in Nigeria?

Rebirth Through Accountability
Rebuilding the PDP means going beyond slogans. It means instituting a new culture of accountability. Those who failed the party during our most difficult battles must not be rewarded with tickets or appointments. They must be named and shamed. Loyalty must no longer be measured by years of membership, but by years of service, sacrifice and substance.

PDP must also return to issue-based politics. Nigerians are tired of empty rhetoric. We must present comprehensive, bold and practical policy alternatives, from security reform to youth employment, education, healthcare and digital economy development. We must use every avenue/parliament, media, civil society, diaspora networks to expose the failures of the APC and champion workable solutions.

From Diaspora to National Action
This call also extends to the diaspora chapters of the PDP, many of which have devolved into echo chambers dominated by career politicians abroad. The diaspora should be a nerve center of innovation, advocacy and global lobbying for Nigerian democracy, not a retirement plan for political patrons. Our foreign chapters must become engines of ideas, funding and advocacy/not gossip centers filled with expired politicians chasing diplomatic appointments.

Let the new wave of diasporans be bridge-builders between Nigeria and global best practices. Let them lead policy conversations, support grassroots mobilization and raise the intellectual bar of opposition politics.

Time to Clear the Stage:
Nigeria is at a historic crossroads. The APC has failed, but failure alone does not translate to victory for the PDP. Only a credible, dynamic and forward-looking PDP can offer the country a genuine alternative. That journey begins by asking those who have failed the test of leadership to step aside.

This is not a personal attack; it is a patriotic call. If you failed to defend Nigerians in their hour of need, if your legacy is more betrayal than bravery, then the time has come to go.

Let the PDP be reborn through truth, not tokenism. Let it be restructured around the people, not personalities. Let us build a party where conviction overrides convenience and where service, not survival, is the goal.

Let the expired mandates go. Nigeria’s future cannot wait.

Meet Joseph Onosolease, also known as PJO, the next chairman of Somolu Local Government Council
…A forward-thinking visionary leader for Somolu’s transformation

~By Oluwaseun Fabiyi

*What is Honorable Pastor Joseph Onosolease’s position in Somolu, Bariga Lagos politics?*

Pastor Joseph Onosolease, also known as PJO, enjoys a reputation for exemplary character, integrity, and loyalty. He provided selfless service, worked diligently, and played a pivotal role as a Lagos grassroots politician in that struggle

In the rapidly evolving context of Lagos politics and development, a select few demonstrate remarkable leadership and foresight, among whom Hon. Pastor Joseph Onosolease is especially prominent

His journey exemplifies a dynamic fusion of politician, entrepreneur, and urban planner, offering a compelling narrative of leadership driven by purpose, service, innovation, and community empowerment. PJO’s early life was defined by a diverse educational background that encompassed the Southwestern regions of Nigeria and Africa. His formative years in Lagos State foretold the national influence he would later wield. His foundational years displayed a synthesis of cross-cultural experiences and academic excellence.

His dedication to structured societal growth led him to a life-changing, impactful position in God’s vineyard within his jurisdiction in Nigeria and abroad. His academic background proved instrumental in his subsequent contributions to land administration and urban development as a grassroots politician in Lagos, demonstrating a commitment to excellence as a dedicated politician focused on transforming Somolu local government for the better

The political trajectory of Joseph Onosolease, alias PJO, is a testament to his strategic approach to governance, marked by thoughtful appointments and an unwavering commitment to creating a lasting impact. His rise to prominence within the Somolu/Bariga axis of Lagos State has been swift and decisive, driven by his astute grasp of grassroots politics. This expertise has enabled him to institute meaningful reforms, reshaping institutional frameworks and urban policy implementation to better serve Somolu’s residents

His 2023 gubernatorial bids, aimed at securing a position in the Lagos State House of Assembly within the ruling party (APC), did not yield electoral victories; however, they showcased a persistent aspiration to contribute to and reform governance at the state level. On this occasion, PJO has secured the affection of the Somolu community, who are now rallying behind him in his bid to emerge victorious as the next Somolu Local Government Chairman, a move that signifies a new dawn, one that is divinely ordained by God

PJO’s leadership extends beyond politics, thriving in the non-profit and private sectors, while also serving as a pioneering force in God’s vineyard, untainted and embodying entrepreneurial vision with social impact

What most distinguishes Pastor Joseph Onosolease popularly known as PJO is his passion for community development.Through his political name, PJO, he spearheads humanitarian initiatives that touch lives across Somolu/Bariga, Lagos State. His recognition, including being a servant of God (Pastor), is a testament to his national influence and religious integration

PJO serves as a resounding testament to the transformative potential of leadership, countering widespread skepticism in an era where leadership is frequently questioned. By exercising political power with sagacity and compassion, he has demonstrated that meaningful change is achievable. His experience underscores the notion that the future trajectory of Somolu local government is contingent upon the vision, values, and character of its leaders, distinguishing him as an exemplary leader. PJO’s exceptional qualities make him an ideal candidate for the position of chairman of Somolu Local Government, warranting consideration based on merit alone.

Watch for his achievement in part 2 of this political article.

*Nigeria on the Path to a One-Party State Under Tinubu and the APC:* The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

By George Omagbemi Sylvester

Nigeria, is drifting perilously close to what analysts fear may become a one-party state under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). The signs are glaring, the tactics aggressive, and the implications for national cohesion and democratic plurality are both ominous and disturbing. How did the nation that once celebrated the peaceful handover of power from one political party to another in 2015 fall so quickly into the hands of what increasingly resembles a democratic autocracy?

*How Did We Get Here?*

The seeds of one-party dominance were sown in 2015 when the APC, a coalition of opposition groups and defectors from the then-ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP), defeated Goodluck Jonathan’s administration. For the first time in Nigeria’s history, an incumbent president lost an election and conceded defeat peacefully. It was hailed as a democratic triumph, but it masked a deeper problem Nigeria’s political elite were not changing values; they were changing jerseys.

Since then, the APC, especially under the baton of Tinubu who was widely regarded as the party’s kingmaker before ascending to the presidency has worked tirelessly to consolidate power not only through elections but through intimidation, co-optation, and manipulation. The weakening of opposition parties through defection inducements, selective prosecutions using anti-corruption agencies, and calculated political appointments has deepened concerns.

Professor Jibrin Ibrahim, a renowned political scientist, warned in 2024 that, _”Nigeria is not witnessing democratic consolidation but rather democratic contraction. The shrinking of political space is deliberate and dangerous.”_ His warning rings louder today than ever.

*The Good* : Is There Any Benefit?

In theory, one-party dominance can offer some benefits a streamlined policy agenda, reduced political gridlock, and faster implementation of development projects. Some proponents argue that in a country as divided and chaotic as Nigeria, the centralization of authority could bring stability. The Tinubu administration points to its push for fuel subsidy removal, infrastructural upgrades, and a unified foreign exchange regime as examples of decisive action made possible by its political leverage.

However, even these policies have triggered severe economic dislocations, including hyperinflation, job losses, and the devaluation of the naira. In essence, speed without deliberation has proven counterproductive.

Dr. Obiageli Ezekwesili, former Minister of Education and co-founder of Transparency International, put it succinctly: _”Efficiency without accountability is the fast lane to elite capture and mass disempowerment.”_

*The Bad*:Collapse of Opposition and Press Freedom

One of the worst signs of democratic erosion is the annihilation of viable opposition. The PDP, once the continent’s largest party, is now a shell of its former self, divided by internal strife and weakened by state-backed pressure. Smaller parties like the Labour Party and NNPP are routinely harassed, with their rallies disrupted, finances scrutinized, and leaders vilified.

The 2023 general elections, which brought Tinubu to power, were marred by widespread reports of voter suppression, ballot box snatching, and electoral malpractice. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), once seen as a beacon of reform, suffered a credibility collapse.

Additionally, the media is under siege. Critical journalists are detained under archaic laws, and media houses are threatened with closure. According to the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), Nigeria in 2024 ranked among the top five countries in Africa for press intimidation.

*The Ugly* : Democratic Autocracy in Action

Bola Tinubu’s presidency is increasingly resembling a civilian dictatorship. Political dissent is stifled, civil society groups are under surveillance, and judicial independence is being eroded. The president’s frequent foreign trips amidst domestic turmoil signal a troubling detachment from the realities faced by everyday Nigerians.

What is worse is the normalization of autocratic behavior under the guise of reform. Appointments are no longer based on merit but on loyalty. State institutions from the EFCC to the DSS are weaponized against political opponents.

_”Democracy is not merely the right to vote every four years,”_ warned Kenyan legal scholar P.L.O. Lumumba, _”it is the right to participate meaningfully in a free society.”_ Nigeria, unfortunately, is veering away from this principle.

*The Nemesis:* Consequences of Centralized Power

The consequences of a de facto one-party state are devastating. First, it breeds apathy among citizens. Voter turnout in the 2023 elections was just 27%, the lowest since 1999. People have lost faith in the system. Second, it marginalizes minority voices, both ethnically and politically. Nigeria is too pluralistic to be ruled by one ideology.

Third, it creates a patronage system where only the connected thrive, further widening the inequality gap. A World Bank report in late 2024 noted that over 70% of Nigeria’s wealth is concentrated in the hands of just 5% of the population.

Professor Wole Soyinka, Nobel Laureate, lamented recently, _”A nation that surrenders its democracy to a single party loses its soul.”_

*What Can Be Done?*

The path forward requires courageous, collective action:

Strengthening Institutions: INEC must be depoliticized and granted full autonomy to conduct credible elections. Electoral reform is non-negotiable.

Opposition Unity: The PDP, Labour Party, and others must forge alliances, not just to win power but to restore democratic balance.

Civic Education: Citizens must be educated on the dangers of political apathy and the importance of participatory governance.

Media Protection: Journalists must be protected under law, and press freedom must be sacrosanct.

International Oversight: ECOWAS, AU, and global watchdogs must speak out and intervene diplomatically where necessary.

*The Price of Silence*

Nigeria stands at a dangerous crossroads. The allure of stability through one-party dominance is a mirage. It sacrifices accountability, pluralism, and ultimately peace. If history has taught us anything, it is that centralized power always turns predatory.

Thomas Sankara once said, _”You cannot carry out fundamental change without a certain amount of madness. It takes the madmen of yesterday for us to act with clarity today.”_ Let Nigeria’s youth, civil society, and true patriots be that change.

If the current trend continues unchecked, we may wake up in a country where elections are rituals, opposition is symbolic, and freedom is fictional. That is not the Nigeria we deserve.

It is time to resist the creeping autocracy. It is time to reclaim our democracy.

‘Sylvester is a political analyst, he writes from South Africa’