John Mark, a former National Legal Adviser of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has asserted that the opposition party currently lacks a candidate capable of challenging President Bola Tinubu’s leadership. He raised concerns about the PDP’s readiness to secure victory in upcoming national elections, should they occur.
Mark lamented that the party is now guided by individuals who prioritize personal agendas over collective interests. He specifically pointed out that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar would struggle to defeat Tinubu without a robust party structure backing him.
During a discussion on Arise TV’s Morning Show, Mark, who served under ex-PDP chairman Ahmadu Ali, criticized the current leadership for its inability to enforce discipline among party members. He emphasized, “In my honest opinion, the PDP stands little chance of winning a national election if it were held today. While it may not be the election season yet, hypothetically speaking, there is simply no candidate. The party lacks a credible leader who can stand against the current president.”
He further elaborated, stating, “No one has exhibited the kind of leadership qualities necessary for presidential candidacy. While Atiku Abubakar is frequently mentioned, the question remains: what can he truly accomplish? The party essentially controls its members, and this is an issue that has been overlooked. We now see individuals acting as if they are demi-gods, overseeing the party with their own interests in mind.”
Mark expressed disappointment that the PDP has reached a point where individuals seem to overshadow the party itself, labeling it undemocratic and disrespectful to loyal party supporters. “In my view, we are not prepared for any elections at this moment,” he remarked.
Addressing the situation concerning Nyesom Wike, the Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mark stated that the former governor of Rivers State should face disciplinary action for his remarks regarding Adolphus Wabara’s leadership of the reconciliation committee.
Mark indicated that the current leadership, particularly the National Working Committee (NWC), has failed to address problematic behavior within the party. He recalled a time when figures like Solomon Lar and Alex Ekwueme would not tolerate any member undermining party unity. “Back then, if anyone acted as Wike does today, they would face immediate expulsion,” he said.
He concluded by questioning why those who have openly opposed the party’s interests continue to function without consequences, suggesting a troubling lack of accountability within the PDP’s leadership.
