“PDP’s Deep Divisions Could Destroy Nigerian Democracy” – Kola Ologbondiyan Warns

  Former PDP National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan , has raised the alarm over the deepening internal crisis within the People’s D...

 

Former PDP National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan, has raised the alarm over the deepening internal crisis within the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), warning that continued division could come at a heavy cost—not just to the party, but to Nigerian democracy as a whole.

Speaking during an interview with ARISE News on Tuesday, Ologbondiyan said the party faces a critical identity crisis heading into the 2027 elections.

“The major challenge facing the party today, one we can’t ignore no matter how hard we try, is that there are members who claim to be PDP, yet openly support President Tinubu’s re-election in 2027,” he said.

“On the other hand, there are those who say they are still PDP members but are entering coalitions with the Labour Party, APC, NNPP, civil society groups, and students—all in an effort to challenge the state of the nation. So, everybody is going one way or the other.”

Ologbondiyan emphasized that the first step toward saving the party must involve restoring its internal credibility.

“I believe we must begin by focusing on how the party can renew its credibility, particularly regarding party positions and leadership roles. That’s the first critical step.”

Reflecting on the depth of the crisis, he added:

“Given the way things have unfolded and how deep the divisions have become, I don’t know how the leadership will realign these forces to support the PDP’s official candidates.”

He warned that the consequences of this disunity go beyond the PDP:

“The cost to the PDP, and even more to Nigerian democracy, is enormous—especially with the growing perception and reality of Nigeria heading toward a one-party state. That could do serious damage to the democratic process and to the Nigerian people themselves. We must confront this reality.”

“It’s Not About Overturning — It’s About Hijack Attempts”

Addressing the reinstatement of Samuel Anyanwu as National Secretary, and speculations that it might be overturned, Ologbondiyan clarified:

“There’s no litigation against the PDP in respect of the National Secretary. The only litigation I’m aware of is by Anyanwu himself, against the party.”

“But this has gone beyond court cases. The issue now is the division between those who want to hijack and incubate the party ahead of 2027 to make it weak and those who insist that PDP must participate and engage Nigerians meaningfully.”

On BOT Blockade and Police Involvement

Reacting to the recent blockade of the PDP’s national secretariat, he condemned the use of police force during internal affairs:

“What happened at the secretariat, especially the mistreatment of BOT members and party staff by police, is completely inconsistent with a party that claims to be functioning smoothly.”

“It’s very strange and unfortunate that leaders claimed they invited the police just to maintain peace—or because a certain person wasn’t informed that the BOT was meeting. In proper party procedure, NEC meetings are preceded by BOT meetings.”

“So, the fact that BOT members were blocked and disrespected by police officers is disturbing. Yes, the meeting went on, and agreements were reached, but whether they reflect the will of the broader party remains unclear.”

Respect the Southeast — Or Risk More Fallout

On the issue of zoning and regional dissatisfaction, Ologbondiyan admitted that the party must tread carefully:

“The PDP must show respect to the Southeast, especially considering recent events. But whether the region will accept any reconciliation efforts remains uncertain.”

He said conditions were already laid out for the reinstated National Secretary, Anyanwu:

1. He must not victimise any staff at Wadata Plaza (the party’s national secretariat).

2. He must not interfere negatively with the preparations for the party convention scheduled for August 2025.

3. He must immediately notify INEC about the scheduled NEC meeting on July 23, 2025, which will be the 101st NEC meeting.

“Those conditions are already in force. We have 22 days to July 23rd, and it is expected to hold.”