APC faces deeper internal crisis than PDP – Damagum

DDM News

The Acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Umar Iliya Damagum, has described the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) as deeply divided.

According to Diaspora digital media (DDM), he made this statement in Yobe State during a high-profile reception of defectors from both the APC and the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP).

The event took place in the Nguru and Bade Local Government Areas, where the PDP welcomed a fresh batch of supporters.

Damagum used the opportunity to draw a clear contrast between the leadership structures of both major parties.

He said the PDP remains organized and functional, with a united national secretariat and one recognized chairman.

In his view, the APC has failed to maintain basic internal order, especially at the national level.

He pointed out that the ruling party has not convened a National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in almost two years.

According to Damagum, this inability reveals deep-rooted divisions within the APC’s national leadership.

He expressed concern that the media often overlooks these problems within the ruling party.

Instead, he said, attention is frequently focused on minor disagreements within the PDP.

“If there is a crisis, we know how to solve it,” Damagum declared confidently.

He insisted that the PDP is united and capable of handling internal conflicts through proper procedures.

“We are one party, with one leadership and one functioning secretariat,” he stated.

“You can’t compare the two parties,” he said, referring to the PDP and the APC.

Damagum described the PDP as a formidable political brand that has survived turbulent periods.

He said the party remains the most credible opposition force in Nigeria’s democratic space.

According to him, the PDP is also actively preparing for the 2027 general elections.

He invited former members to return and help rebuild the party into a stronger political force.

“Our doors remain open to those who left in the past,” Damagum added.

He insisted that the PDP is the party to beat in the next national polls.

Damagum assured Nigerians that the party remains committed to democratic values and internal discipline.

Corruption in PDP and APC: a shared legacy of impunity

Despite positioning themselves as rivals, both PDP and APC have been linked to significant corruption scandals in recent history.

The PDP, which ruled Nigeria from 1999 to 2015, faced serious allegations of widespread looting.

During this period, multiple officials were accused of embezzling public funds on a massive scale.

The most infamous case involved the $2.1 billion arms procurement fund mismanaged under former National Security Adviser Sambo Dasuki.

Also, under President Goodluck Jonathan, Nigeria’s oil revenues were allegedly mismanaged through the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).

Several investigations revealed billions of dollars in unremitted oil proceeds and shady contract awards.

The APC campaigned in 2015 on a platform of transparency, anti-corruption, and reform.

However, after taking office, the APC-led government was also rocked by financial scandals and credibility crises.

Under President Muhammadu Buhari, anti-corruption efforts were criticized for being selective and politically motivated.

The former chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ibrahim Magu, was suspended over allegations of fund mismanagement.

The Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs under Sadiya Umar Farouq was accused of mishandling COVID-19 relief funds and social investment schemes.

Many Nigerians also questioned the transparency of palliative distribution and emergency fund allocations during the pandemic.

More recently, under the administration of President Bola Tinubu, public distrust has deepened over economic reforms.

Critics have pointed to the lack of accountability surrounding fuel subsidy removal and currency devaluation.

Ordinary citizens continue to face inflation, job losses, and increased hardship with little clarity on how savings from reforms are used.

Conclusion

Damagum’s remarks in Yobe come at a time when Nigerian politics is entering another phase of realignment.

With 2027 on the horizon, the PDP is repositioning itself as a viable and united opposition party.

Meanwhile, the APC is battling internal friction, policy criticism, and public discontent.

As defections continue and parties struggle with credibility, the next election cycle promises to be highly competitive and revealing.

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