By Emmanuel Enebeli
WARRI/Nigeria: A legal practitioner and political analyst, Mr. Oba Maduabuchi, has raised fresh concerns over the deepening crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), warning that unresolved leadership disputes and conflicting court rulings could undermine the party’s ability to function effectively as Nigeria’s leading opposition force.
Speaking on The Morning Show on Arise Television, Maduabuchi said the current turmoil in the party stems from lingering leadership issues that began with the removal of a former National Chairman and the subsequent expiration of the tenure of the party’s leadership in December 2025.
According to him, the emergence of a parallel leadership structure, including claims surrounding the appointment of Mohammed Abdulrahman, has further complicated the party’s internal dynamics, particularly as individuals reportedly expelled from the party are now being recognised as members of a factional National Working Committee (NWC).
He noted that the situation has created legal contradictions, with different court rulings appearing to validate opposing positions within the party, thereby deepening uncertainty over who constitutes the authentic leadership of the PDP.
Maduabuchi pointed out that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had previously recognised the leadership under Damagum up to December 2025, raising serious questions about the legitimacy of the recent factional convention reportedly backed by allies of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
He argued that the decision to proceed with the convention despite pending court cases could be interpreted as a disregard for judicial authority, especially as the matter remains before the Supreme Court.
“The situation is highly confusing, and only the Supreme Court can resolve the contradictions arising from different court decisions,” he said, stressing that a definitive ruling is urgently needed to stabilise the party.
He warned that without clarity from the apex court, the PDP risks facing serious challenges in the lead-up to future elections, including disputes over candidate nominations and questions around the legitimacy of its leadership structure.
Maduabuchi further expressed concern about the broader implications for Nigeria’s democracy, noting that a weakened opposition could tilt the political balance unfavourably.
“I believe the PDP remains a major opposition force in Nigeria, but without resolving these internal disputes, it risks losing its relevance,” he stated.
He added that delays in resolving the crisis could create confusion ahead of party primaries, with potential legal battles over tickets likely to emerge among aggrieved aspirants.
On electoral reforms, Maduabuchi criticised certain provisions of the Electoral Act, particularly those prescribing modes of candidate selection, arguing that political parties should retain the autonomy to determine their internal processes.
He maintained that imposing uniform methods such as direct primaries or consensus arrangements could stifle internal democracy and limit the flexibility of parties to operate effectively.
As the PDP grapples with internal divisions and legal uncertainties, observers say the outcome of the Supreme Court’s eventual ruling will be critical in determining the party’s future and its role in Nigeria’s evolving political landscape.
