PDP Crisis: Salam Says Obasanjo, Jonathan’s Presence Could Have Averted Party Turmoil

Bamidele Salam, lawmaker representing Ede North, Ede South, Egbedore, and Ejigbo Federal Constituency, has blamed the current crisis in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on the inactivity of former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan.

Salam argued that if the former Presidents remained actively involved in party affairs, the PDP might not have been facing the internal struggles and power tussles that have plagued it in recent times.

He noted that in many democracies around the world, former Presidents continue to play active roles in their parties, acting as the conscience and stabilising pillars. However, in Nigeria, former Presidents often abandon active politics, adopting the vague role of “non-partisan fathers of the nation.”

“In Nigeria, immediately Presidents finish their tenure, they tear their party membership cards and choose the nebulous role of ‘non-partisan’ fathers of the nation,” Salam wrote on Facebook. “So when power-hungry elements attempt to seize the party and dominate, there is no one big enough to check their excesses. Imagine having an Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan still actively involved in the PDP.”

Salam’s comments come amid growing calls for stronger leadership and cohesion within the PDP as it seeks to reposition itself ahead of upcoming elections.