Former Edo Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu warns that rebuilding the PDP could take 20 years due to leadership ambition, while praising the APC’s ideological approach and President Tinubu’s reforms

Former Edo State Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu, has expressed deep concern about the future of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), stating that it could take up to 20 years to rebuild the party due to its leadership’s focus on ambition rather than vision.

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Speaking to journalists in Abuja on Sunday, Shaibu criticized the PDP’s current leadership, asserting that the party’s structure disintegrates when individual ambitions are not met.

He contrasted this with the All Progressives Congress (APC), highlighting the importance of political ideology and institutions like The Political Institute (TPI) in shaping future leaders.

“For that of PDP, the vision of the leaders is ambition, and when everything is not working towards that ambition, the polity of the party disintegrate.

As far as the leadership of the PDP is concerned today, if the attitude continues the way it is, I can bet you that it will take another 20 years to rebuild the party,” Shaibu said.

As far as the leadership of the PDP is concerned today, if the attitude continues the way it is, I can bet you that it will take another 20 years to rebuild the party.” – Philip Shaibu.

He emphasized the need for political parties to develop and adhere to strong ideological foundations that resonate with the grassroots, thereby fostering a sense of ownership and effective governance.

Shaibu also lauded President Bola Tinubu’s reforms and leadership, attributing the APC’s growing appeal to Tinubu’s progressive and grassroots-oriented approach.

“What we are seeing today is a grassroot politician being the president of Nigeria. We are seeing a very progressive minded democrat as the president and the leader of a political party. That is what is drawing everybody to his party, because of that acceptability,” Shaibu stated.

He further noted that Nigeria is gradually transitioning towards a political landscape where ideas and superior arguments prevail, marking a significant shift in the country’s political dynamics.