The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is currently facing crises in many states across Nigeria. These crises are not only limited to the national level but have also permeated the state chapters, manifesting as leadership crises and power struggles over control of the party structure.
An Abia State High Court has halted the enforcement of the purported suspension of Adolphus Wabara, former Senate President and Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party’s Board of Trustees. Justice LTC Eruba’s court order restrained Elder Abraham Amah, leader of the Abia PDP, from enforcing the suspension.
Wabara had filed a suit, marked HUK/8/2025, against Amah, seeking a restraining order.
The court granted Wabara’s request, stating, “The defendant is restrained from enforcing the suspension of the claimant/applicant from the People’s Democratic Party, or in any way affecting his position as the Chairman, Board of Trustees of the PDP till the motion on notice is determined.”
The suspension controversy began when Amah, a former Vice Chairman of the PDP in Abia North, announced Wabara’s suspension, citing anti-party activities. Specifically, Amah took issue with Wabara’s praise for Governor Alex Otti’s reconstruction of the long-abandoned Port Harcourt Road in Aba.
Wabara was accused of endorsing the Labour Party governor of Abia State, Alex Otti, for a second term in office, barely five months after inauguration .
Wabara’s actions were seen as a breach of the party’s constitution, specifically Articles 57(1), (2), (3), 58(1)(b) & (f), and 59(1).
The Abia PDP chapter claimed that Wabara’s endorsement of Otti undermined the credibility of the PDP and demoralized party members.
However, the National Working Committee of the PDP had declared Wabara’s suspension “null and void and of no effect,”
Former Senate President Wabara’s another degree of manifestation of internal wranglings in the PDP.
Some of the key challenges facing the PDP at all levels include: Leadership Tussles:- Infighting among party leaders and stakeholders has led to factionalization and a breakdown in party cohesion.
Defections:- Many members and chieftains have defected to other parties, including the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), citing dissatisfaction with the PDP’s leadership and direction.
Power Struggles:- The quest for control of the party structure has led to intense power struggles, further exacerbating the crisis.
These crises have raised concerns about the PDP’s future and its ability to remain a viable opposition party in Nigeria.
The situation is still unfolding, and it remains to be seen how this crisis will be resolved.