Beacon of Hope? Panel Declares North Central PDP Congress Free, Fair, and a Step

In the often-turbulent landscape of Nigerian politics, where internal party squabbles and allegations of electoral malpractices frequently mar the democratic process, the recent declaration by a panel that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) North Central Zonal Congress was "free, fair, and transparent" stands out as a significant development. This pronouncement, coming at a time when the PDP is grappling with myriad internal crises and seeking to regain its footing as a formidable opposition force, carries profound implications for the party's future, particularly in a region that has historically been crucial to its electoral fortunes.
The congress, held in Jos, Plateau State, culminated in the election of new party officials for the North Central zone, with Mohammed Abdulrahman emerging as the National Vice Chairman. Crucially, reports indicate that most of the new executives were elected unopposed, a testament to what observers describe as a peaceful and transparent process, conducted in full compliance with the provisions of the Electoral Act. This seamless transition and apparent unity are particularly noteworthy given the recent history of the PDP, which has been plagued by factionalism, disagreements over zoning arrangements, and a "gale of defections" that have seen some members migrating to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The significance of a "free and fair" declaration in an internal party election cannot be overstated, especially for a party like the PDP that has recently faced intense scrutiny over its internal democratic practices. Internal democracy is widely considered the bedrock of a healthy political party system. When parties conduct their internal affairs transparently and allow for genuine participation, it fosters internal cohesion, reduces post-election disputes, and enhances the legitimacy of the party's leadership. Conversely, a lack of internal democracy often breeds discontent, leading to intra-party crises, litigation, and ultimately, a diminished capacity to effectively challenge the incumbent or govern if in power. The PDP has, in recent times, been a prime example of a party whose progress has been hampered by its inability to effectively manage challenges of internal party democracy and ensure strict adherence to its own constitution and rule of law. Issues such as the crisis in Rivers State, disagreements surrounding the national secretary position, and ongoing disputes over zonal congresses have contributed to a polarized atmosphere within the party.
Therefore, the positive assessment of the North Central congress by the panel is a welcome relief for the PDP. It sends a strong signal that, at least in this instance, the party was able to put its house in order and conduct an exercise that meets accepted standards of fairness. This could serve as a model for future congresses in other zones and potentially help to rebuild trust among party members. Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang of Plateau State, who hosted the congress, congratulated the newly elected executives and urged them to immediately work towards uniting the party across the zone. His emphasis on unity underscores the critical importance of these internal processes in bringing together various factions and individuals under a common banner. The sentiment that the congress was "peaceful and successful" and that it "clearly shows that the PDP in the North Central is alive and vibrant" points to a renewed sense of hope and purpose.
The election of Mohammed Abdulrahman as National Vice Chairman for the North Central zone is a pivotal outcome. This position is vital for coordinating party activities and strategies within the zone, which encompasses states like Benue, Plateau, Niger, Nasarawa, Kogi, and the Federal Capital Territory. This region has historically been a battleground for political supremacy, and a strong, united PDP in the North Central is essential for the party's broader ambitions to reclaim power at the national level. The outgoing Vice Chairman, Hon. Theophilus Dakas Shan, and the Chairman of the Congress Local Organizing Committee, Senator Napoleon Bali, echoed the call for renewed determination to reclaim political leadership by 2027, highlighting the strategic importance of this zonal congress in the party's long-term planning.
However, it would be naive to suggest that a single successful zonal congress, no matter how free and fair, will instantly resolve all the deep-seated problems facing the PDP. The party still grapples with a myriad of challenges, some self-inflicted, others external. These include persistent divisions, mistrust, and lingering grievances among party leaders, as articulated by the Acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, who noted that many of the party's problems are "self-inflicted." The controversy surrounding the national secretary position, for instance, remains unresolved and continues to create tension. Furthermore, the party is facing intimidation from the Federal Government, as claimed by the Chairman of the PDP Governors' Forum and Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, and a continuous "gale of defection" impacting even some of its strong members. The PDP's National Executive Committee (NEC) has also faced challenges in convening regular meetings, further underscoring the internal turbulence.
Despite these ongoing hurdles, the North Central congress offers a glimmer of hope. It demonstrates that the PDP is capable of conducting credible internal elections, a fundamental requirement for any party aspiring to democratic governance. By prioritizing internal democracy, the PDP can begin to address the underlying causes of its disunity and present itself as a more credible and cohesive alternative to the ruling party. The emphasis on unity, as evidenced by the willingness of some aspirants to step down in the spirit of party cohesion, is a positive indicator. This could pave the way for a more unified front in future elections, where the party can articulate a clear, people-focused vision and present a credible alternative to the current administration, rather than merely acting as a critic.
In essence, the free and fair declaration of the North Central PDP congress is not just a procedural success; it is a vital step in the party's journey towards rejuvenation. It signals a commitment to internal democratic principles that, if consistently applied across all levels of the party, could provide the necessary foundation for resolving its myriad challenges, rebuilding public confidence, and positioning itself for future electoral success. The road ahead remains arduous, but this congress offers a blueprint for how the PDP can begin to heal its wounds and re-establish itself as a truly democratic and formidable political force in Nigeria.
Source@BBC