By
Rahman Owokoniran
Enough of the theatrics. Enough of the hollow soundbites and media grandstanding that drown substance in a sea of noise. Nigeria’s democracy stands at a crossroads, and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), once the torchbearer of hope, now teeters between irrelevance and redemption. The time for introspection is not tomorrow; it is today.
The Legacy We Inherited: A Party Built on Unity and Vision
When Nigeria transitioned from military rule to democracy in 1999, PDP emerged as a unifying force, a coalition of patriots who bridged the divides of North, South, East and West. Our founding fathers envisioned a party that transcended ethnicity and creed, prioritizing national cohesion, infrastructure development and inclusive governance. Through transparent processes, they empowered Nigerians of all backgrounds to shape the nation’s destiny. For 16 years, PDP became synonymous with progress. Roads, schools and hospitals rose from the dust; a fractured nation began to heal.
But today, that legacy lies in tatters.
The Fall: How did PDP Lost Its Way?
The 2015 loss to the All Progressives Congress (APC) was not merely a loss of power, it signified a collapse of conscience. The APC’s ascent, fueled by promises of “change,” exposed PDP’s rot, leadership failures, ethical decay, and the rise of transactional opportunists who traded ideology for personal gain. The party’s soul was hollowed out, replaced by a cult of personality and the mimicry of APC’s worst excesses.
Where PDP once stood as the people’s voice, it now whispers in backroom deals. Grassroots members, the very lifeblood of the party, are sidelined. Internal democracy suffocates under the weight of “selective democracy,” where a privileged few handpick candidates and dictate terms. The people, once partners, are now spectators.
Yet, there is hope. The APC’s reign has been a master-class in broken promises. Insecurity festers, the economy staggers and corruption thrives. PDP’s window to reclaim trust remains open but only if it acts decisively.
The Roadmap to Redemption: Six Non-Negotiable Reforms
To revive PDP, we must return to its founding principles not with empty slogans, but through radical reinvention.
- Intra-Party Rebuilding:
Overhaul the party’s internal mechanisms to prioritize accountability and stability. Eradicate the culture of impunity; replace transactional dealers with leaders of integrity.
- Structural Reformation:
Create a cohesive, integrated system that empowers state chapters and grassroots structures. Decentralize power to prevent elite capture.
- Electoral Integrity:
Revise party election rules to ensure free, fair and transparent primaries. Adopt technology for real-time results and independent auditing to curb manipulation.
- Internal Democracy:
End the era of “anointed candidates.” Let every member’s voice count from ward congresses to national conventions. No more backdoor impositions.
- Constitutional Overhaul:
Expunge clauses that stifle dissent or entrench autocracy. Align the party’s constitution with democratic ideals –term limits, merit-based appointments and gender equity.
- Zoning as Unity, Not Tokenism:
Resolve the presidency’s rotational formula (North/South) with clarity and fairness. This is not mere politics it is a pact of national cohesion. The Reconciliation Committee must address this urgently.
The People’s Party For the People
PDP’s greatest strength has always been its connection to the masses. Yet today, the grassroots are treated as an afterthought —invited to rallies but excluded from decisions. This must end.
Grassroots Empowerment:
Local chapters must drive policy ideas and candidate selection. Let farmers, teachers, and traders shape the party’s agenda.
Transparency as Policy:
Publish party finances, decisions, and meeting outcomes in real time. No more secrecy; sunlight is the best disinfectant.
Mobilize for 2027. The mission is clear: to oust a failing APC. But victory requires more than criticism; it demands a compelling alternative vision.
Reform, Unite, Lead and Elevate –RULE
1) Reform the state system of governance.
2) Unite to make a better society
3) Lead to uphold democracy
4) Elevate our nation to prosperity
Conclusion: A Call to Arms
PDP stands at a precipice. To fall is to condemn Nigeria to prolonged despair. To rise is to reignite the flame of democracy. Let us choose to rise.
PDP’s reinvention is not about partisan victory it is about Nigeria’s survival. Let us return to the days when PDP was not just a party, but a movement. Let us bridge divides again, rebuild trust and restore dignity to governance. The people are watching. History is judging. The time to act is now.
OWOKONIRAN WROTE FROM LAGOS
