The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has offered to assist the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in resolving its ongoing internal leadership crisis, but the PDP has swiftly rejected the offer, accusing the APC of being behind some of its problems.
The APC’s offer came in the wake of escalating tensions within the PDP, which has seen deepening divisions among key party figures.
The rift is primarily between factions loyal to former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar and those aligned with Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
The crisis intensified after Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, expressed interest in running for president in 2027, adding another layer of competition and rivalry within the party.
In addition, the PDP has seen increasing calls from certain quarters for the resignation of the National Chairman, Umar Damagum, further compounding the internal strife.
Governor Mohammed, who has also been accused of contributing to the factionalism, offered to step aside from the presidential race if former President Goodluck Jonathan were to return to the PDP and contest in 2027.
However, Jonathan’s camp has remained silent on the matter, deepening speculation and confusion within the party.
Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has also become a focus of growing support for the 2027 presidential race, despite his repeated statements that he has not made a decision on the matter.
Makinde’s supporters within the party, largely loyal to Wike, are pushing for his candidacy, while the governor himself has remained tight-lipped about his future political plans.
In response to the PDP’s internal turmoil, APC National Publicity Secretary, Bala Ibrahim, expressed his party’s “deep concern” over the situation, mocking the opposition party’s inability to manage its crisis.
Ibrahim said the APC was willing to help resolve the PDP’s leadership issues, should the party formally request assistance.
He went further to criticize the PDP for its apparent inability to handle internal matters, stating that a party unable to resolve its “family issues” should not be trusted to manage the country’s affairs.
“We’re looking at their crisis from the outside, and we can’t help but laugh. The PDP should show Nigerians that they can manage their internal problems before asking to manage the nation’s problems. Anyone who cannot handle their own internal conflicts should not be trusted with the nation’s leadership.”
The APC spokesperson also offered the services of the party’s “Progressive Institute,” an internal training body, to help the PDP learn how to effectively manage party politics.
However, the PDP was not amused by the APC’s remarks. Ibrahim Abdullahi, the Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, responded angrily, accusing the APC of mocking the opposition at a time when it was already struggling to recover from internal sabotage.
Abdullahi argued that the APC’s criticisms were unwarranted and that the PDP was fully aware of the forces within its ranks working to destabilize the party.
“We know what is going on,” Abdullahi said. “The APC is laughing at us because of the few elements they have planted within our ranks to cause division. We don’t have time for their mockery. They can laugh, but we know the truth.”
Abdullahi emphasized that while the PDP may have internal challenges, it was in the process of addressing them and would not be distracted by the APC’s comments.
“We may be facing difficulties, but we know who is behind them. And whether the APC has anything valuable to teach us is another matter entirely.”
