Phrank Shaibu, Special Assistant on Public Communication to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, has expressed deep concerns regarding President Bola Tinubu’s purported role in the ongoing leadership turmoil within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Shaibu cautioned that if the PDP does not resolve its national chairmanship conflicts, Nigeria risks devolving into a one-party system heavily influenced by Tinubu’s political maneuvers.
He accused Tinubu of applying the same strategies that allowed him to consolidate power in Lagos State for over twenty years, suggesting these tactics are now being used to undermine opposition at the national level.
“We are all too familiar with Tinubu’s tactics. Even during his governorship, he effectively established a one-party dominance in Lagos, which has continued long after his tenure,” Shaibu remarked.
He further noted, “From local governments to the state assembly, the opposition has been systematically stifled, and we are not surprised by this. The agents of turmoil and those fueling the crisis have been evident since the 2023 elections, and their role has not been concealed from the media.”
Shaibu elaborated that the initial focus on the G-5 was a warning sign of the direction in which the party was headed. “When we hear Nigerians lamenting about poverty and hunger, it’s reminiscent of a cowboy leaving a place in ruins, stripping it of any potential for recovery,” he explained.
He accused certain political actors of prioritizing personal gain over governance, stating, “Instead of focusing on effective leadership, they are exacerbating the crisis to secure political favors and lucrative positions.”
To remedy the situation, Shaibu emphasized the importance of courageous and sincere leadership within the PDP. He insisted that party leaders must confront those who are destabilizing the organization.
“Resolving this crisis is possible, but it requires boldness and integrity. Party leaders need to unite and address the individuals causing unrest within the PDP,” he said, lamenting that some governors have compromised their integrity for political allegiances.
He observed a shift in the political climate, noting that governors who once upheld the party’s values now often act in accordance with their close associates’ whims.
“Previously, governors operated with a strong sense of purpose and integrity, but now we often see them catering to personal interests rather than acting in the party’s best interests,” Shaibu noted.
He reiterated that a straightforward approach is necessary to resolve the party’s issues. “If the leadership is serious about addressing the crisis, they must identify and expel those who are instigating unrest within the party.”
Shaibu criticized leaders who publicly oppose Atiku’s potential candidacy for the 2027 election while simultaneously supporting the current president’s continuation. He labeled such behavior as hypocritical and ignorant.
“Deciding how to resolve this crisis is ultimately up to the leaders, as they are aware of their objectives. One individual recently claimed that Atiku should not run in 2027 due to his age, yet supports the current president’s continuation. How old is the current president now, and what will he be in 2027?” he queried. “Illiteracy is a misfortune and should never be regarded as a privilege.”
Despite the challenges facing the PDP, Shaibu firmly rejected claims of the party’s fragmentation, asserting that Atiku remains committed to a united front.
