By Lydia Zakka
The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) is facing growing criticism from its own members, with the PDP Northern Minority Consultative Forum issuing a strong condemnation against lawmakers for their failure to support Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan during a recent turbulent period in the Senate. The Forum expressed alarm over the lack of unity and leadership within the PDP, particularly highlighting the party’s inadequate response to gender issues and the party’s passive stance in moments that require collective action.
The Forum, speaking through its spokesman Mr Mallums Mai Balla, accused PDP senators of failing to rally around Senator Natasha, who has faced contentious proceedings in the Senate that drew sharp attention to gender disparities and the treatment of female members in the party. The absence of solidarity in these crucial moments, the Forum said, is a clear indication of the party’s fragmentation and inability to present a united front when necessary.
A Party in Disarray
At the heart of the criticism is the growing divide within the PDP, which the Northern Minority Consultative Forum argues has failed to demonstrate effective leadership. The group pointed out that when push came to shove, lawmakers from the PDP chose to remain passive. Many senators were seen taking a neutral stance, standing by without making any effort to defend Senator Natasha, even though she is a member of their own party.
“It’s unfortunate for our party,” said Mallums, as he lamented the lack of a unified response in the face of adversity. He criticized the absence of a rallying point or leadership that could have galvanized the party members to stand by Senator Natasha when she needed support the most.
This passive behavior is particularly striking when viewed in contrast to past instances when male party members received significant support during crises. The Forum drew attention to the apparent double standards that exist in how male and female members are treated in the PDP.
The Absence of Senator Abdul Ningi
A key figure in the controversy surrounding the lack of support for Senator Natasha is Senator Abdul Ningi. Despite benefiting from the party’s backing during his own budget padding scandal, Senator Ningi was notably absent during the recent debates and efforts to show solidarity with Natasha. His failure to stand with Natasha has raised eyebrows, particularly as it highlights the stark contrast between the way the party responds to male and female lawmakers in times of trouble.
The absence of Ningi and other influential PDP members during such critical moments has raised questions about the party’s commitment to cohesion and unity. The Forum expressed concern that personal interests and political ambitions are often placed above the collective well-being of the party.
Gender Disparities and the Party’s Response
One of the most damning critiques levelled by the Forum is the PDP’s handling of gender-related issues. The Forum noted a pattern where men in the party, such as the Senate President, have been consistently supported by the party leadership in difficult situations, while female lawmakers like Senator Natasha seem to be left to fight their battles alone.
This gender imbalance within the PDP has been a longstanding issue. The Forum pointed out that while male members are often shielded from the party’s internal and external criticisms, women in the party appear to lack the same level of protection and support, especially during times of controversy.
A particular example the Forum cited was the treatment of former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Mrs. Nunieh, who had a widely publicized altercation with the Senate President. Despite the incident, the Forum highlighted the swift support she received from then-Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State, a key figure in the PDP. This, the Forum suggested, was a clear case of double standards, where male party members are given a level of understanding and support that is not extended to their female counterparts.
“Was it not the same Senate President who was slapped by Mrs. Nunieh, yet Wike, as Governor of the PDP from South-South, stood by her?” the Forum asked, emphasizing the disparity in treatment between male and female members.
The Silence of the PDP’s Publicity Department
Another point of concern raised by the Forum was the silence of the PDP’s publicity department during this entire episode. The Forum accused the party’s media wing of failing to publicly support Senator Natasha and address the situation, a silence that the Forum described as both “worrisome and unacceptable.”
The absence of a clear response from the PDP’s leadership and its publicity machinery has only fueled concerns about the party’s internal fractures. The Forum argued that the party’s lack of a robust communication strategy and inability to speak out at crucial times undermines its capacity to challenge the ruling government effectively. In a time when political momentum and public opinion are increasingly vital, the inability of the PDP to engage meaningfully in such moments is seen as a significant weakness.
A Call for Action
In its final appeal, the PDP Northern Minority Consultative Forum urged the leadership of the party to take immediate and decisive action. The group called for a thorough review of the current leadership structure, emphasizing the need for stronger unity and a more cohesive approach to handling crises.
Above all, the Forum called for greater support for women within the party, ensuring that their voices are heard and their concerns are addressed, especially in moments of conflict. Women in the PDP should no longer be sidelined or left to fend for themselves when faced with difficult situations. The Forum insisted that leadership in the party should extend beyond gender, and the voices of women must be amplified in critical moments, just as the voices of men have been in the past.
As of now, the PDP leadership has yet to issue an official response to the Forum’s criticisms. The lack of a clear statement from the party is adding to the uncertainty surrounding the issue, leaving members and supporters alike wondering whether the party will act to restore its unity and cohesion, or if it will continue to struggle with internal divisions.
However, the PDP finds itself at a critical juncture. The failure of lawmakers to stand by Senator Natasha has raised important questions about the party’s unity, leadership, and its approach to gender equality. The party’s passive stance and lack of support for female lawmakers at crucial moments are issues that cannot be ignored if the PDP hopes to regain its footing and strengthen its position in the Nigerian political landscape.
As the PDP grapples with these challenges, it must confront the reality that its success will depend not just on overcoming external political pressures but on fostering an internal environment that is unified, fair, and inclusive. The time for introspection and action is now, if the PDP is to remain a relevant force in Nigerian politics.
