Amid growing frustration, Nigerians have taken to social media to question the relevance of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar.

Many have expressed disappointment over the party’s internal struggles, particularly the overwhelming influence of former Rivers State governor and current minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike.

Advertorial

Social media was ablaze with the statement, “PDP is dead, buried, and forgotten,” as critics voiced concerns over the party’s failure to stand up to Wike, who has been accused of wielding too much power and using his financial resources to control the party’s leadership.

Some argued that PDP’s leaders have “sold their birthright” for Wike’s money, abandoning the values that once made it a formidable force in Nigeria’s political scene.

Advertorial

“Not even Atiku can wrestle Wike in PDP? What a shame,” one user wrote, reflecting the widespread disappointment with Atiku’s perceived inability to assert leadership within the party.

Many have questioned whether the former vice president still holds sway or if Wike’s dominance has effectively sidelined him.

The hashtag “Where is Atiku?” quickly trended on X formerly called Twitter, with Nigerians demanding to know why the PDP presidential candidate has remained silent amid the internal rift.

Advertorial

Atiku’s absence from key political discussions and his perceived reluctance to challenge Wike has led many to doubt his strength as a leader capable of uniting the party ahead of future elections.

Wike, who recently joined the All Progressives Congress (APC) and secured a key ministerial position, has become a controversial figure.

His departure from PDP and subsequent rise in influence has deepened divisions within the opposition party, leading many to declare the PDP’s downfall.

Advertorial

As Nigerians continue to debate the party’s future, one thing seems clear—many believe that without significant reforms and a strong leader, PDP’s chances of reclaiming its former glory appear increasingly slim.

Hon. Johnpaul Anih, a former Enugu State House of Assembly candidate, has called on the National Assembly to prioritize reforms of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the judiciary to ensure their full independence and functionality.

Anih made this statement during a public lecture and book presentation, where he highlighted the significance of these institutions in fostering a credible electoral process and upholding justice in Nigeria.

Advertorial

Anih stressed that INEC’s true independence is crucial for ensuring free and fair elections, where every vote is counted.

He pointed out that the judiciary also needs reforms to bolster its independence and ability to uphold the rule of law, which in turn would increase public trust in the electoral process and governance.

During the event, Anih presented his book, “Beyond Boundaries: Rethinking Nigeria’s Future,” which emphasizes the power of resilience and individual efforts in driving positive change in Nigeria.

Advertorial

He encouraged the youth to take an active role in shaping the future of the country by bringing innovative ideas and solutions to governance, especially through the use of technology to enhance transparency.

Anih also called for the integration of stronger civic education within the Nigerian educational system to empower young people with knowledge about their rights and responsibilities as citizens.

He stressed that educating the populace about their role in the democratic process would strengthen Nigeria’s democracy.

Advertorial

Anih assured continued efforts towards ensuring that citizens are better informed and able to participate actively in the governance of their country, urging young Nigerians to seize opportunities to make a meaningful impact.

Prince Adewole Adebayo, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), has warned Nigerians to prepare for even higher fuel prices, stating that the recent increases are only the beginning.

He urged citizens not to complain about the inevitable price hikes, as the government is determined to let market forces set fuel prices.

Advertorial

Adebayo criticized President Tinubu’s strategy of using the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) to temporarily lower fuel prices, arguing that this approach is unsustainable due to the NNPC’s financial difficulties and substantial debt.

Reiterating his earlier prediction of a sharp increase in fuel prices following the removal of the fuel subsidy, Adebayo labeled the policy shift as a mistake.

He argued that eliminating the subsidy would push fuel prices to unaffordable levels, making it difficult for average Nigerians to cope.

Advertorial

Adebayo described the removal of the subsidy as one of the greatest mistakes, suggesting that the economic and social costs far outweigh any potential savings.

He criticized President Tinubu, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, and Labour Party candidate Peter Obi for their support of subsidy removal during the last election.

Adebayo claimed that if he had been elected, he would have pursued a different approach, emphasizing that the removal of the subsidy reflects an economic philosophy favoring the elite over the needs of ordinary citizens.

Advertorial

Adebayo also condemned the targeting of the fuel subsidy for removal while other subsidies for the elite remain intact, calling it an example of social injustice in a country with significant economic inequalities.

Acknowledging the complexity of the issue, Adebayo called for a systematic policy shift to reduce Nigeria’s dependence on petrol.

He advocated for the adoption of alternative energy sources, such as electric vehicles, and urged the government to implement measures to alleviate the impact of rising fuel prices on the average Nigerian.