Former Minister of Aviation, Osita Chidoka, has cautioned that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is experiencing an identity crisis, exacerbated by current legal challenges. He noted that the All Progressives Congress (APC), in contrast, appears to be consolidating around its incumbency and unity as preparations for the 2027 general elections intensify.
Chidoka shared these observations during a recent interview with ARISE NEWS.
He elaborated, stating that Nigeria's political landscape is undergoing fundamental changes. "If you examine the APC primaries, the APC has signalled its intention to maintain cohesion centered on incumbency. This was evident in their recent convention, where they prioritized unity, incumbency, and stability.
"However, the PDP finds itself in an identity crisis. Some factions claim to represent a specific segment of the PDP and have pursued legal recourse, leading to various judicial entanglements," he explained.
Chidoka further commented that while the ruling party is showcasing economic stability, the opposition parties are struggling to articulate a distinct alternative for the average Nigerian.
"When I speak about what I've been explaining, consider that roughly ten private companies on the stock market have generated more profit than the entire non-oil revenue collected by the federal government. This illustrates the transformation of the Nigerian economy from substantial losses in 2024, following the Naira's devaluation, to the current situation of high profitability.
"The difficulty lies in the fact that these gains have not trickled down to the general populace. Therefore, despite the growth in corporate Nigeria, ordinary citizens continue to struggle. The impact of these devaluations, the elevated cost of fuel, and stagnant wages have not been effectively addressed. Consequently, the business community and those managing the economy are gravitating towards stability.
"The opposition faces the challenge of clearly presenting to Nigerians what a viable alternative would entail. I have yet to witness such a discourse," he remarked.
Addressing Nigeria's democratic processes and the prevalent use of consensus- building, Chidoka cautioned that an over-reliance on consensus could potentially undermine party accountability and diminish voter choice.
"The party appears poised to favour consensus over internal democracy. Regarding the PDP, it's unclear if they have any significant internal opposition. They, too, have indicated plans to select a candidate, thereby prioritizing control over the party's structure. This represents a regression for democracy in terms of internal contestation," he warned.
Chidoka stressed that the nation's urgent security concerns should take precedence over internal party recognitions.
"As I mentioned, I'm not certain about the significance of who the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) recognizes or doesn't, in the broader context. Once the Supreme Court makes a ruling, I expect INEC will adjust its stance.
"What is truly critical are the severe security challenges confronting the country. We are discussing a nation where the fundamental question is: who is offering a contrasting worldview to the current situation?", he queried.
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