The Peoples Democratic Party PDP is facing significant setbacks in its bid to regain dominance in Nigeria, following the outcome of five off-cycle governorship elections conducted under President Bola Tinubu. Since Tinubu assumed office on May 29, 2023, the All Progressives Congress APC has won four out of five states, leaving the PDP with just one victory.
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Election Results The APC secured victories in Bayelsa, Kogi, Imo, Edo, and Ondo States, while the PDP managed to win only one state.
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Internal Struggles The PDP's internal leadership crisis and infighting over the National Chairmanship seat have further weakened the party.
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State Capture Allegations Katchi Ononuju, Director General of Heritage Centre, accused the APC of employing state capture mechanisms, manipulating the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC and the judiciary to consolidate power.
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Opposition's Role Ononuju emphasized the need for the PDP to unite and provide a strong opposition to counter the APC's dominance. He warned that without a united front, the PDP could face political irrelevance by 2027.
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Electoral Integrity Concerns Ononuju highlighted issues with electoral fraud and the manipulation of biometric voter identification, calling for reforms to protect electoral integrity.
The PDP's continuous defeats and internal discord have raised concerns about its ability to challenge the APC in the 2027 elections. Analysts suggest that the party must address its internal issues and unite to effectively oppose the ruling party's strategies.
