The chances of the People's Democratic Party (PDP) regaining power in 2027 depend on its ability to resolve internal conflicts and present a united front. The party must also address its economic policies, particularly its neoliberal stance, and its position on social issues to appeal to Nigerian voters. Ultimately, the PDP's future hangs in the balance, and its capacity to overcome internal strife will be crucial in determining its viability as a significant political force in Nigeria.
On March 12, 2025, Dr. Nwachukwu Anakwenze (Onowu Abagana), a former PDP Presidential Aspirant based in Los Angeles, USA, discussed these challenges on News Central TV Africa. During the interview, he first addressed the idea of a youth confab and its necessity for the young generation, and then discussed the PDP's challenges.
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Anakwenze, who reiterated that he specializes in youth issues, maintained that the only hope Nigeria has to succeed is through the youth because the older generations have abused Nigeria and consumed the resources meant for the youth, their grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. "The only hope we have for the future is to develop the youth to take over from us now. Our youths are very talented! When they leave Nigeria and come to America, they go to the top! We can catch up with the world in manufacturing, agriculture, building planes, and computers," he stated.
On the basis of selection for the Youth Confab, Anakwenze stated that the selection should be based on the six geopolitical zones and not from one zone and one religion.
Regarding the PDP crisis, Anakwenze stated that he is still a member of the PDP and that what is important to him is Nigeria's progress, not just the progress of one tribe or one religion. "I am still a member of the PDP, but if I can support Nigeria best with another party, I am willing to. But I am more interested in the progress of all black people more than one tribe or religion. I am more interested in the youths, so whatever we can do to help the youths to prepare and take over to catch up with the rest of the world. The world is talking about artificial intelligence, and we are here in Nigeria talking about corruption. Developed nations are landing on the moon, Mars, and trying to colonize it; only the youths can help us achieve that," he emphasized.
On whether the PDP is doing its job as a strong opposition despite its internal crisis, Anakwenze said that the internal crisis within the party is basically resolved. "I think the Supreme Court has ruled, and the various courts have ruled, so let's obey the court orders. If somebody wants to run for another office and they say you can't come back to your position, then let the new person have it. Let's think about what is good for the whole country, not what is good for yourself. So for me, that's not a serious crisis! The major crisis is in the party; we are supposed to rotate things, it's in the party constitution, but they refused to. Atiku and his group refused to allow rotation to move down to the South in the party after Buhari has run for 8 years, and then he wants to continue again. I told you, if it's like that, they don't have any chance; the PDP will lose again if they feature somebody from the north again like Atiku, they will lose every state in the south and middle belt. So if they have sense, they need to rotate to the southeast so that you can have balance and you can have change. You need to try somebody else so you can see if Nigeria can get better. All the ones they have tried have been failures, starting with Buhari and so on. The PDP can succeed, but they need to move the leadership around and try something different," he explained.