Former chairman of the Anambra State PDP chapter, Dan Ulasi, has raised the alarm over the deepening crisis within the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), describing the situation as a serious threat to democracy in Nigeria.
In an interview on Thursday, Ulasi reflected on the party’s formation in 1998, the ensuing internal skirmishes, and the exodus of prominent members to the ruling APC.
“I feel very touched when PDP is being discussed because about 1998, I was standing right behind the late Dr. Alex Epueme, with two other people on our side and Atiku Abubakar on the other side, as we signed the formation of this party called PDP,” Ulasi said. “I feel very emotional, even more now that the skirmishes have blown out of control.”
Ulasi criticised what he described as the erosion of civility in the party, noting that paranoia and hatred have overtaken rational dialogue. “Democracy depends on heavy doses of civility. And it does appear that civility has been lost, not just in PDP, but all over this country. Nobody believes what the other is saying,” he said.
He also weighed in on recent court disputes and internal divisions within the party, emphasising that legal processes have recognised the leadership of Alhaja Abdurrahman Mohamed as national chairman and Senator Sam Ayo as national secretary.
“As of now, there’s only one PDP led by Alhaja Abdurrahman Mohamed as national chairman and Senator Sam Ayo as national secretary. Unfortunately, this crisis is disheartening, especially when young governors resort to calling colleagues vagabonds—it is uncalled for, very unfortunate language,” Ulasi said.
Reflecting on defections to the APC, Ulasi highlighted the lack of loyalty among some PDP governors. “Virtually all PDP governors have gone into APC, even when there was no division. These are people who have benefited from the PDP as governors, senators, and in other positions, yet they make decisions based on convenience rather than values,” he said.
Ulasi criticised what he described as the party’s financial and operational challenges, stressing that money has increasingly dictated political influence.
“If you give me two billion naira, I will give President Ndubu a run for his life that he will not forget. Even if he wins, it will be with national esteem. Unfortunately, I don’t have the kind of money people move around in this country for public service,” he said.
He further expressed frustration over Nigeria’s broader governance challenges, noting a lack of essential services despite massive public spending. “Water is not running anywhere. Governors move 40 vehicles to attend functions in their own cities.
“The problem is fundamental—Nigeria is not just PDP, it is both genotypically and phenotypically specific. When the problem is genetic and environmental, we have a serious crisis,” Ulasi said.
Despite these challenges, Ulasi remains cautiously optimistic about the PDP’s future, urging young politicians to take up the mantle of leadership.
“I am encouraging young men to come up and do something better for this country. We must have an effective opposition to give President Ndibu a run for his money,” he said.
On government performance, Ulasi praised recent improvements in Abuja under Minister Ndubu, contrasting it with previous administrations.
“Compare 80 years of whoever was there before with the two and a half years we have had Ndubu as minister—you will see significant progress. He has made manifest progress in infrastructure development in the Federal Capital Territory,” he said.
Ulasi concluded with a warning to the PDP, highlighting the urgent need for unity and adherence to democratic principles to survive ahead of the 2027 elections. “Until things normalise and we know who is left in the party, it would be difficult to say if PDP can give APC a fight in 2027. But we must be prepared,” he said.
Boluwatife Enome
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