By Charles Kumolu, Deputy Editor
Besides a miracle occurs, Nigerians could also be witnessing the final lively days of the Peoples Democratic Social gathering, PDP. Solely a basic recalibration of the opposition can show in any other case. But, given the nation’s political tradition, the celebration seems all however completed, with only some males nonetheless standing.
For context, the boys are the governors, whose ranks have been depleted by a gale of defections by no means seen in Nigeria’s chequered political historical past.
In lower than three years, Nigerians have witnessed the PDP shrinking from 11 governors as of Could 29, 2023, to eight. The state of affairs, which raised questions on their driving drive, additional depleted the ranks of the PDP to an embarrassing stage.
Defiance
Regardless of the sweeping wave that has blown a lot of its governors into the ruling camp, a number of inside the PDP seem decided to carry their floor.
Because the celebration’s most seen leaders on the state stage, these governors appear resolved to both climate the storm or go down with the ship. Sunday Vanguard believes this stance underscores each their defiance and the magnitude of the disaster confronting the once-dominant opposition.
On the time President Bola got here to energy, the PDP managed 11 states: Oyo, Adamawa, Bauchi, Rivers, Benue, Delta, Akwa Ibom, Enugu, Taraba, Bayelsa, and Plateau.
However inside months, a mixture of political strain, patronage, and opportunism thinned the ranks.
Presently, those that have dumped the celebration, citing what analysts described as egocentric causes embrace Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State, Bayelsa State Governor, Duoye Diri, and Umoh Eno of Akwa Ibom.
Govs
The fast attrition of PDP governors since 2023 has not been merely a matter of numbers, it indicators a deeper structural disaster inside the celebration. Governors, historically among the many strongest anchors of any celebration’s federal construction, have turn into liabilities fairly than stabilisers.
Relatively than rallying grassroots assist, many have opted for self-preservation by way of defection. The message this sends is corrosive: if governors can soar ship, what loyalty stays among the many rank and file? The defection tide thus undermines the PDP’s institutional coherence, weakening its bargaining energy and public credibility forward of the 2027 contests.
One-party
Moreover, this pattern has knock-on results on the opposition ecosystem extra broadly. If the PDP collapses right into a shadow of itself, then Nigeria’s political steadiness suggestions dangerously towards single-party dominance. The opportunistic nature of many defections, seemingly pushed by calculations of entry to federal spoils fairly than ideological conviction, additionally undermines the idea of opposition.
It means the ruling celebration positive factors not simply numbers however the look of inevitability, which in flip suppresses contestation, dampens inner renewal within the opposition, and slowly erodes democratic vibrancy.
In the meantime, within the midst of this stand a number of males, who many argue could both win or perish with the celebration.
Seyi Makinde
If there’s one PDP governor who has proven each resilience and independence, it’s Engineer Seyi Makinde of Oyo State. Broadly thought to be the celebration’s final stronghold within the South-West, Makinde’s political journey mirrors a story of calculated pragmatism, self-assurance, and deep grassroots enchantment.
Since 2019, Makinde has defied the percentages in a area dominated by APC’s political equipment. At the same time as his fellow Southern PDP leaders like Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Minister, Nyesom Wike and Samuel Ortom wavered, Makinde maintained a cautious steadiness between cooperation with the ruling authorities and loyalty to his celebration. This strategic dexterity has earned him admiration throughout political divides.
Makinde’s purpose for staying in PDP seems much less about ideology and extra about legacy and autonomy. As one of the financially impartial governors in Nigeria, he doesn’t rely closely on federal handouts or political godfathers. His administration’s deal with infrastructure, training, and safety reforms in Oyo has created a performance-based legitimacy that insulates him from strain to defect.
Politically, Makinde appears to be positioning himself as the brand new ethical face of the opposition, pragmatic, youthful, and development-oriented. His frequent requires coverage continuity and inter-party cooperation have made him appear like a bridge between the previous PDP and the rising multiparty future Nigeria wants.
Observers say that Makinde’s endurance lies in his capability to talk the language of governance fairly than grievance. In contrast to a few of his PDP friends who continually commerce blames, Makinde prefers measurable efficiency and financial self-discipline as his political protection.
Nevertheless, being the lone PDP governor within the South-West comes with huge weight. The regional APC community continually seeks to isolate him politically, particularly forward of 2027. But, his growing nationwide profile, notably his affect amongst technocrats and younger voters, offers him a definite id.
Some insiders say Makinde could finally lead a new-centre opposition coalition, ought to the PDP fail to reinvent itself. For now, he stays steadfast, urging his colleagues to rebuild the celebration “from the grassroots up,” fairly than chasing energy by means of opportunistic defections.
In some ways, Makinde symbolizes what the PDP may have been — disciplined, policy-driven, and people-focused. His survival inside the celebration could effectively decide whether or not the PDP can retain any severe foothold in southern Nigeria past 2027.
Consequential
Makinde now stands as maybe probably the most consequential determine in what stays of the PDP’s southern flank. His political evolution inside the celebration has been advanced, without delay rebellious and constant. As one of many influential G5 governors who overtly opposed Atiku Abubakar through the 2023 common election, Makinde’s defiance practically fractured the PDP’s marketing campaign construction. But, paradoxically, within the post-election interval, he has emerged as one of many few maintaining the celebration from whole collapse within the South.
Regardless of being a member of the G5 governors who didn’t assist the celebration in 2023, Makinde has proven unusual steadiness in defending the PDP towards the divisive antics of Nyesom Wike, the previous Rivers governor turned Federal Capital Territory Minister.
Whereas Wike has overtly fraternised with the APC and tried to fracture the PDP’s base by means of affect operations in Rivers and past, Makinde has maintained a calibrated loyalty. His refusal to comply with Wike’s footsteps into open defection underscores his understanding of the bigger implications of PDP’s disintegration, not only for opposition politics, however for Nigeria’s broader democratic steadiness.
Altruistic
Political insiders say Makinde’s resolution to carry the road just isn’t completely altruistic. There are whispers that he could also be eyeing the PDP presidential ticket in 2027, particularly if the North stays divided between Atiku and different contenders. His political poise, administrative document in Oyo, and skill to retain public goodwill have positioned him in an enviable place inside the opposition fold.
Nonetheless, some analysts see him not merely as an bold politician however because the South’s strongest hope of maintaining the PDP related within the years forward. Whether or not he can construct the cross-regional alliances wanted to realize that continues to be the query, however for now, Makinde stands because the final regular pillar in a crumbling home.
Bala Mohammed
In Bauchi, Governor Bala Mohammed has emerged as probably the most skilled and strategically minded PDP chief within the North. A former senator and FCT minister, Bala is understood for his political pragmatism and deep administrative understanding of the Nigerian system.
He resisted intense strain to defect after 2023, selecting as a substitute to consolidate PDP’s presence within the North-East by means of efficiency and inclusivity. His infrastructural renewal initiatives, particularly in roads, healthcare, and training, have made Bauchi one of many best-governed northern states lately.
Bala’s critics accuse him of enjoying either side — sustaining heat ties with the APC-controlled federal authorities whereas maintaining the PDP flag aloft in Bauchi. However his defenders say that’s exactly why he stays priceless: he understands survival politics with out dropping id.
Throughout the PDP hierarchy, Bala now performs the position of elder statesman, ceaselessly mediating disputes between Atiku’s loyalists and southern blocs. His calm temperament and political maturity have earned him respect throughout the aisle.
Analysts imagine Bala’s continued presence in PDP is not only for symbolism. It’s a part of a long-term strategic calculation to maintain the celebration alive within the North-East and keep bargaining energy forward of 2027. Ought to PDP ever recuperate, Bala Mohammed’s title shall be amongst these credited with stopping its whole collapse.
Ahmadu Fintiri
Governor Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa represents the brand new era of pragmatic northern leaders who mix conventional politics with fashionable governance. His tenacity through the 2023 elections, when he fought off a fierce APC problem led by Senator Aishatu “Binani” Dahiru, earned him nationwide acclaim.
In contrast to others who left PDP underneath strain, Fintiri doubled down — rebuilding his native alliances and reaffirming the PDP model because the state’s dominant political drive. His political endurance is rooted in robust youth mobilization, inclusive appointments, and a modest however constant document of improvement.
Fintiri’s resolution to remain in PDP is guided by loyalty and conviction {that a} functioning democracy wants steadiness. He believes opposition events play a vital position in guaranteeing accountability. “It’s straightforward to affix the profitable facet,” he reportedly instructed associates, “however management is about standing agency when it issues.”
Fintiri’s model of quiet energy could place him as a future energy dealer within the opposition. With Bala Mohammed because the northern elder and Makinde because the southern reformist, Fintiri completes the trinity of PDP’s final credible governors.
Sunday Vanguard learnt that aside from these males, a few of the remaining governors could quickly dump the celebration, a transfer that might additional push the nation towards a one-party state. These nonetheless standing embrace Governor Agbu Kefas of Taraba State, Dauda Lawal of Zamfara, Caleb Muftwang of Plateau State, and Ademola Adeleke of Osun State.
The put up Defections: Makinde, Bala Mohammed, Fintiri, other last men standing appeared first on Vanguard News.
