Politics
Task Before PDP National Deputy Chairman
There is a popular Igbo proverb which aptly captures the imperative of stocktaking after a major occurrence.
Since the recently concluded national convention of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), party loyalists and Nigerians have been reflecting on the event.
The PDP convention has received critical reviews from stakeholders and Nigerians at large because of the party’s stature as the largest party in Africa.
However, what cannot be taken away from the party was the peaceful atmosphere that characterised the convention and election of its national officers.
At the election, Dr. Sam Sam Jaja from Rivers State was elected Deputy National Chairman of the party, an achievement that has brought the state into the centrestage of the party’s and Nigeria’s politics.
The reverberations of this landmark achievement continues to be felt since the conclusion of the election as appreciative party men, associates and people from the South-South geo-political zone continue to send congratulatory messages to the newly elected PDP Deputy National Chairman.
Clearly, the Rivers State Governor, Rt Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, deserves commendation for throwing his enormous weight behind Dr. Jaja, an articulate and experienced administrator who promises able representation for the South South zone at the centre.
A golden fish, they say, has no hiding place. Since he admirably pioneered the establishment of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), conducting an election that was applauded by all across party divides, Dr. Jaja had moved on to various other state and national assignments including being National President of the Nigerian Referees Association.
Over the years, he had built a reputation as a stakeholder in the development of Nigerian sports, being a board member of the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF).
He had also made tremendous contributions to the development of the nation’s commerce and industry as a respected member of Port Harcourt Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (PHCCIMA).
Dr. Jaja also shares the concerns and aspirations of leaders and elders of the South-South zone, being a member of the South-South Leaders and Elders Forum.
Therefore, for those who know his endowments and antecedents, it was just a matter of time, for him to get to this centrestage.
Dr. Sam Sam-Jaja has come on board the national PDP executive at a time the party is at a cross-roads, where many issues critical to its continued viability need to be resolved.
Some of these challenges include the following.
a. Unity in Rivers PDP: Since charity must begin at home, the Deputy National Chairman would be expected to work with Governor Amaechi, the leader of the party in Rivers State and others, to ensure that the state chapter remained a reference point for others in the South-South zone in issues of party discipline, cohesion and unity.
b. Internal Democracy: The spate of discordant tunes within the PDP prior to the party’s just-concluded national convention is not altogether unexpected in a political party as large as the PDP. Afterall, freedom of speech and right to hold divergent views are core ingredients of a democratic culture.
However, it is obvious that at National, State and Local Government levels, incidences had repeatedly occurred which rubbished discipline, due process and constitutionality in the party. Thus, the call for the entrenchment of internal democracy had become louder within the party in the recent past.
The Deputy National Chairman has his job cut out here, as he, working with the Chairman and other officers and organs of the party, would be required to put back the party on the path of discipline and constitutionality.
c. Ideology/Identity: Many political analysts have argued, right from the inception of the nation’s current democratic dispensation on May 29, 1999 that there were very little to choose from the present political parties in terms of ideology and strength of character.
Indeed, 12 years down the democracy lane, the PDP still cuts the image of an assemblage of politicians united by the common quest for power because of its dividends than a party built on ideology that would enhance social development.
With Dr. Sam Sam Jaja and other egg-heads and experienced men at the helm, it is expected that, like other popular political parties world-wild, the PDP will evolve a unique and refreshing identity anchored on ennobling ideology.
d. Equity and Justice: These may not clearly be divorced from the issues of internal democracy. But it is pertinent to highlight them because any human relationship or assemblage not anchored on equity and justice is bound to fail.
In political parties across the country, the process of the selection of candidates for party offices and national general elections had, in most cases, devalued equity, justice and due process, resulting in prolonged litigations and even casualties at elections which turn violent.
Therefore, incidences of candidate imposition, favouritism, thuggery among others, are undemocratic tendencies which the new PDP national leadership, of which Dr. Jaja has become a key actor, must be deleted from the party’s lexicon.
e. Fiscal Federalism: it is no longer in doubt that, for Nigeria to make speedy progress in its quest to become one of the world’s greatest economies, the principle to apply is fiscal federalism. The South-South Governor’s Forum has also thrown its weight behind the principle.
Indeed, states must be encouraged to generate and manage their resources as well as develop at individual paces while contributing appropriate quota to the federal coffers, as was the case in the early post-independence era.
The largest party in Nigeria must show patriotism and commitment to national development by accepting this reality and encouraging its structures at all levels to bring fiscal federalism to fruition.
f. 2015 Polls: For most political parties and politicians, the end of one election marks the beginning of preparations for another. The recent convention and election of PDP national executive should be seen in that context.
The party has at different times described itself as a “moving train” “One Big Family” and the party destined to rule Nigeria for 50 years.
While this is arguable, what is important is how the more than a decade of sustained democratic experience and electioneering had impacted and refined the election process in Nigeria.
While the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is expected to improve on its past performances as electoral umpire, the political parties, especially the ruling PDP, would also be looked upon to display democratic ideals worthy of emulation.
As the party prepares for the 2015 general elections, its leaders would be expected to sensitise officials and members across the country on the need to win fair and square. It is the only way to remain the popular and respected party in Nigeria.
g. President Jonathan’s Programme: President Goodluck Jonathan has initiated a number of policies to promote the welfare of Nigerians and the economic growth of the nation. He had also adopted a number of interventionist programmes to improve the parlous condition of the people of the Niger Delta who bear the pains of oil and gas exploration and exploitation from which 90 percent of the nation’s revenue is derived.
The Deputy National Chairman of the president’s party (PDP) would be expected to build a fraternal relationship with Jonathan. This will enable him to constantly remind the president of the need to bring his programmes and promises both to Nigerians and the people of the Niger Delta, to reality. A tall agenda it may seem, but the people have chosen the right person for the job.
Congratulating Dr. Jaja on his election in an exclusive interview recently, former member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Ike Chinwo said his (Jaja’s) election is a blessing to the South-South geo-political zone, expressing confidence that the PDP Deputy National Chairman will contribute to the growth of the party and the nation.
“Dr. Jaja, apart from his contributions to politics in Rivers State has contributed to the development of sports in Nigeria and I am sure he will perform creditably in this new assignment”, said Chinwo who represented Obio/Akpor federal constituency in the House of Representatives from 2003 to 2011.
Another political stalwart who commended Dr. Sam Sam Jaja’s election is Prince Tonye Princewill, who described the Deputy National Chairman’s election as a good omen and able representation for the people of Rivers State and the PDP in the state.
Princewill, leader of Princewill Political Associates (PPA), who joined the PDP from the Action Congress of Nigeria, ahead of the 2011 general election, said “what we need now in Rivers State is a cool headed, articulate and visionary leader which Jaja represents”.
In his contribution, Dr Imoru Kubor, a political heavyweight from Bayelsa State, said Dr. Jaja’s elction is a welcome development not only for the PDP in Rivers State but also for the people of the South-South zone.
Kubor, who left the PDP to join the Change Advocacy Party (CAP) on which platform he contested the February 8, 2012 governorship election in Bayelsa State, challenged Dr. Jaja to help formulate policies that would build a better and united Nigeria.
Dr. Sam Sam Jaja is the founder of the Vanguard of Opobo Nation (VON), the foremost political association in Opobo/Nkoro Local Government Area of Rivers State and a platform that had continued to contribute to the victories of the PDP in all elections in the state.
Donald Mike-Jaja
In a statement issued on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, and signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Mr Obiora Ifoh, the party said it had taken note of Mr Obi’s defection alongside some of his supporters, as well as what it called a “lacklustre speech” delivered by the former Anambra State governor at the defection event.
“We wondered what new he intends to sell to Nigerians,” the party said, adding that it was not surprised by the move, having “since September 2024, parted ways with Peter Obi and some of his blind supporters in the National Assembly.”
According to the statement, the faction said it had patiently awaited Mr Obi’s exit, describing it as a blessing.
“The party is finally liberated by this defection and as party leaders, we count it as a blessing,” the party said.
The faction further disclosed that it had previously urged Mr Obi and his supporters to leave if they were unable to work with the party leadership.
It claimed that several lawmakers had been suspended for anti-party activities and that similar action would have been taken against Mr Obi but for the intervention of “some well-meaning Nigerians.”
It also blamed its internal crisis on Mr Obi and Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, accusing them of sponsoring what it described as an insurrection against the Julius Abure-led leadership.
“The crisis we had in the Labour Party was caused by Peter Obi and the Abia State governor, Alex Otti,” the statement alleged, adding that it was surprising Dr Otti had not followed Mr Obi out of the party despite his suspension.
Reacting to Mr Obi’s defection event in Enugu, the faction claimed the gathering was largely boycotted by prominent political and traditional institutions in the South East, insisting that those present were “political spent forces who cannot win in their wards should there be an election today.”
It warned that this development signalled the failure of any future Mr Obi presidential or vice-presidential ambition, claiming he had “clearly lost the charm that had endeared him to the people prior to 2023.”
The faction also accused Mr Obi of misleading the South East during the 2023 elections, alleging that the region suffers political marginalisation under President Bola Tinubu’s administration as a result.
“He must be told that the South East lost out completely in President Ahmed Tinubu’s government because they trusted and believed in him in 2023,” the statement said, alleging disparities in ministerial appointments and infrastructure allocation to the zone.
The Abure-Led LP apologised to Nigerians for its decision in the last election.
“We gave Nigerians a candidate we thought was good for the nation in 2023, but time has since proved that we made the greatest political mistake. We plead for forgiveness from Nigerians,” the party said.
It urged Nigerians to watch out for a rebranded Labour Party, promising to present “the best prospect” capable of returning Nigeria to what it described as its “glorious days.”
steadily toward unity, justice, and shared prosperity”, he said.
Speaking to journalists on Wednesday at his country home in Ikere-Ekiti, Dr Oluyede said the development came as a shock, stressing that INEC supervised and monitored the PDP governorship primary that produced him as the party’s candidate.
According to him, INEC officials documented the process, completed all required forms, and even affirmed his candidacy in court through sworn affidavits arising from cases linked to the primary election.
He maintained that no court order or injunction currently restrains INEC from listing his name as the PDP candidate, arguing that the electoral body lacks the constitutional power to determine who emerges as a party’s nominee.
Dr Oluyede described such decisions as the exclusive responsibility of political parties, not the electoral umpire.
While playing down panic over the released list, Dr Oluyede noted that electoral processes often involve reviews and corrections.
He disclosed that he had commenced wide consultations, including engagements with PDP leadership and formal correspondence with INEC, to seek clarification on the omission and determine the next line of action.
The PDP candidate assured his supporters across Ekiti State that he would appear on the ballot, expressing confidence that the situation would be resolved in his favour.
He described attempts to exclude candidates from elections as dangerous and undemocratic, warning that such tactics undermine the people’s right to freely choose their leaders.
Dr Oluyede called on the people of Ekiti to reject any form of disenfranchisement, insisting that elections should be contests of ideas, records, and acceptance by the electorate rather than exclusionary maneuvers.
He also declared that the PDP in Ekiti had resolved its past internal crises and was now united, focused, and ready to win the forthcoming governorship election.
He urged party members and supporters to remain calm and focused, expressing optimism that, with divine grace and the will of the people, the PDP would emerge victorious at the polls.
Mr Obi spoke while formally declaring for the African Democratic Congress (ADC) at a well-attended event in Enugu on Wednesday, where he outlined what he described as a fresh roadmap for rescuing the country from its socio-economic challenges.
Addressing party members, supporters and other stakeholders, the former governor stressed that leadership must be driven by integrity and accountability, warning against the culture of double standards in public office.
“We cannot continue to deceive our people. Leadership is about telling the truth and leading by example. You cannot promise one thing in public and do another in private. That is not leadership, and that is not the change Nigeria needs”, Mr Obi said.
He maintained that genuine national rebirth would only be possible if entrenched wrongs were corrected, adding that governance must be guided by competence, discipline and a clear sense of purpose.
Mr Obi also underscored the need for fresh thinking in the nation’s political space, urging political actors to move away from recycled ideas that have failed to deliver sustainable development.
“We must come with new ideas,” he said, adding that “Nigeria’s problems are not mysterious; what has been lacking is the courage and competence to address them differently. We need a new approach that puts people first and focuses on production, not consumption.”
Calling for a broad based political collaboration, Mr Obi appealed to parties and stakeholders across ideological divides to work together in the national interest.
“This country is bigger than any party or individual. All parties must come together to change the present trend. What matters is not the platform, but the future of Nigeria and the wellbeing of its citizens”, he declared.
Looking ahead to the 2027 general elections, Mr Obi challenged aspirants seeking elective offices to ensure transparency in their credentials, warning that the era of falsified certificates was drawing to a close.
“Anyone contesting for any position in 2027 must come with genuine certificates. All the machinery is now in place to verify what is genuine and what is not. Integrity must start from the very foundation of leadership”, he stated.
Drawing lessons from international development models, Mr Obi cited Rwanda and Indonesia as examples of countries that rose from difficult beginnings to become thriving economies through disciplined leadership and sound policies.
“These countries were once behind us,” he noted, adding that “Today, they are moving ahead because they chose competent leadership, clear vision and policies that support local production and human capital development.”
He also criticised the economic policies of the present administration, particularly the continued importation of food items that can be produced locally, describing such practices as inimical to national development.
“You cannot grow an economy by killing local production. Importing food that we can produce in Nigeria destroys jobs, weakens our farmers and drains our foreign exchange. A serious country must produce what it consumes”, he argued.
The event featured renewed calls from ADC supporters for sustained engagement and mobilisation, as Mr Obi reiterated his belief that Nigeria remains redeemable if led with honesty, competence and a commitment to shared national progress.
In his remarks, the National Chairman of the ADC, Senator David Mark, expressed confidence in the emerging coalition, assuring Nigerians that the party would deliver good governance at all levels of administration if entrusted with power.
The gathering also witnessed the defection of several prominent politicians from different political parties across the South-East and beyond.
The motion endorsing the defection was moved by a former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Chief Emeka Ihedioha, and seconded by former economic adviser to ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo, Prof. Osita Ogbu.
Goodwill messages from notable political figures, including Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, Mrs. Aisha Yesufu, Chief Sam Egwu, Dr. Okwesilieze Nwodo, Chief Achike Udenwa, Mr Onyema Ugochukwu and Senator Gilbert Nnaji among others, further underscored the growing momentum within the ADC.