PDP not showing signs of recovery, says ex-lawmaker

A former lawmaker representing Jos South/East Federal Constituency, Dachung Bagos, says he sees no indication that the Peoples Democratic Party is on the path to recovery ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Appearing on Channels Television’s breakfast programme on Monday, Bagos argued that the party’s lingering internal crises and its failure to follow due process have left many aspirants uncertain about their political future.

He faulted the PDP for issuing only one nomination form for the chairmanship contest, an action later voided by the court for violating due process.

According to him, Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang remains the state’s political leader, whose guidance they will follow if the PDP fails to resolve its challenges before the elections.

Bagos urged members and aspirants to carefully examine the situation and consult widely, cautioning that the party’s current direction does little to inspire confidence.

He said, “But I can tell you for now, the leader of the ‘Plateau Peoples Party’ is His Excellency Barr. Caleb Mutfwang. We are waiting for his direction to see which of the registered parties to move to, if the PDP fails to fix itself before the election. Definitely, we will hear from him. But for now, you see, we must tell ourselves the truth.”

Bagos also criticised the expulsion procedures carried out during the party’s convention, noting that the leadership acted without first setting up a disciplinary committee.

For now, I don’t see any light at the end of the tunnel for the PDP coming towards the general election, especially for anybody that will contest elections, because how can two things happen just within three weeks or one month?

Number one, you sold only one form, just for the chairmanship election. The court said there wasn’t due process. Number two, there was supposed to have been a disciplinary committee before suspending or even expelling someone. But it was just a voice vote within the convention.

“So, when you see due process is not being adhered to, you, those who are contesting for election, should be able to think very well, look at and analyse issues, consult with your people, and look for a way forward.

“We shouldn’t be political with the truth. For me, I’ve always told my people the truth. So for now, as it is, I don’t see the light at the end of the tunnel,” he added.

As earlier reported, the PDP, at its 2025 National Convention in Ibadan, Oyo State, on Saturday, elected the former Minister of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs, Kabiru Turaki, as its new National Chairman, and a former Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Taofeek Arapaja, as the new National Secretary.

The party also expelled several high-profile members, including the Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike; suspended National Secretary, Samuel Anyanwu; former National Legal Adviser Kamaldeen Ajibade; former Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose; Imo PDP Chairman Austin Nwachukwu; among others over alleged anti-party activities.

The motion for their expulsion was moved by former PDP Deputy National Chairman (South), Bode George, and seconded by the Bauchi State PDP Chairman, Samaila Buga.

Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, who chairs the PDP Governors’ Forum, later put the motion to a voice vote, which delegates overwhelmingly endorsed, signalling the party’s renewed resolve to confront internal dissent and stamp out anti-party conduct within its ranks.