By Ismaeel Aleem
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has explained the structural barriers that prevented him from resolving the deep-seated crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) before his departure to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
In an exclusive interview with the BBC Hausa Service yesterday, Atiku disclosed that his influence, though significant, was curtailed by his lack of formal authority in the party’s hierarchy.
“I could have taken some firm decisions to fix the party if I was the chairman or secretary of the party, or if someone who listens to me held those positions,” he stated.
He lamented that the current National Chairman and Secretary pursued “different interests that are mostly personal to them,” rendering his efforts to broker dialogue ineffective.
The PDP‘s turmoil traces back to 2022, amid preparations for the 2023 presidential election.
The party’s decision to zone its presidential ticket to the North while appointing a National Chairman from the same region sparked internal discord.
This zoning propelled Atiku to emerge as the PDP’s candidate, a development that irked several chieftains and deepened divisions.
Atiku further accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC)-led government of exacerbating the rift by sponsoring elements within the PDP to undermine opposition unity.
“The APC has decided to use some leaders of the party to frustrate efforts of having a strong opposition that could challenge the government,” he asserted.
This interference, he claimed, made it impossible to consolidate a formidable front against the APC.
The protracted crisis ultimately prompted Atiku and several allies to join the ADC, an opposition coalition aimed at rebuilding structures for the 2027 elections.
He emphasised ongoing work to fortify the ADC at state and local levels, while remaining open to stepping aside for a younger, consensus candidate.
