Sani Weighs in on Kwankwaso and Melaye’s Divergent Views on the PDP Crisis

Former Senator Shehu Sani has highlighted the contrasting views of Senator Dino Melaye and the national leader of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Rabiu Kwankwaso, regarding the ongoing crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The differing opinions of the two politicians reflect the deepening discord surrounding the future of Nigeria’s main opposition party.

In a post shared on his X handle on Sunday, Sani noted that while Senator Dino Melaye believes the PDP was actively “murdered,” Rabiu Kwankwaso argues that the party died a natural death and has positioned himself as a ‘messiah’ for Nigeria’s political landscape.

Sani’s commentary suggested that Kwankwaso’s remarks provoked more intense reactions compared to Melaye’s, indicating that the former governor’s blunt assessment struck a nerve among PDP loyalists.

Sani’s post on the matter read: “Senator Dino lamented that PDP was murdered while Senator Kwankwaso submitted that PDP died naturally and declared himself as the messiah. The latter appears to attract more angrier reactions. A coroner is needed.”

This cryptic remark by Sani underscored the deep frustrations within the PDP and the urgent need for introspection and leadership within the party.

Rabiu Kwankwaso, who was the NNPP’s presidential candidate in the 2023 elections and finished fourth, has been vocal about his ambitions for the future, boldly declaring his intention to win the 2027 presidential election.

His critique of the PDP is rooted in his belief that the party has lost its way, leading him and others to depart in search of new political alignments.

Kwankwaso was quoted as saying, “I wish to remind you that Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is already dead, because we were in the party, since they have gone out of the line, we decided to check out.”

Kwankwaso’s assertion that the PDP is already dead was met with significant backlash from within the party and among its supporters, as many still view the PDP as a viable opposition force in Nigerian politics.

However, his statement reflects a sentiment shared by some who feel that the party’s internal conflicts and leadership struggles have rendered it ineffective.

Meanwhile, Dino Melaye, a prominent PDP figure and former senator, has also been outspoken about the party’s challenges. In a recent post on X, Melaye expressed his dismay over the direction in which the PDP is headed, blaming the acting chairman, Umar Damagun, and other key figures for the party’s downfall.

He wrote, “End of the road for PDP as Damagun, Bature, and Anyanwu irredeemably destroyed the party. We will talk about the commercialisation and privatisation of PDP. PDP is now once upon a time.”

Melaye’s comments suggest that internal corruption and mismanagement have driven the party to the brink, echoing the broader discontent expressed by Kwankwaso.

The divergent perspectives of Melaye and Kwankwaso highlight the complex dynamics at play within the PDP, where accusations of internal sabotage, ineffective leadership, and a lack of clear direction have fueled a sense of disillusionment.

For Kwankwaso, the decision to leave the PDP was a pragmatic one, driven by a belief that the party could no longer fulfill its role as a formidable opposition to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

For Melaye, the situation appears more personal, with his critique centred on specific individuals whom he holds responsible for the party’s current woes.

As the PDP grapples with its identity and future, these conflicting narratives from two of its former stalwarts underscore the urgency for reform and unity within the party.

While Kwankwaso positions himself as a potential saviour of Nigerian politics outside the PDP, Melaye remains within the fold, albeit as a critical voice calling for change from within.

Shehu Sani’s observations serve as a reminder that the PDP, once a dominant force in Nigerian politics, now faces a critical juncture.

The party must address its internal divisions and reassess its strategies if it hopes to reclaim its position as a credible alternative to the APC.

With the 2027 elections looming on the horizon, the PDP’s ability to navigate these challenges will be crucial in determining its role in Nigeria’s political future.

Whether the party can rise from its current state or continues to be mired in crisis remains to be seen, but the divergent paths of Kwankwaso and Melaye are a testament to the complexities that lie ahead for the PDP.