Kenneth Okonkwo Slams PDP for Double Standards Amid Growing Internal Support for APC and Tinubu 2027

 

The opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) finds itself under mounting scrutiny following strong criticism from prominent lawyer and political figure Kenneth Okonkwo. His recent remarks laid bare what he perceives as the party’s glaring inconsistencies in dealing with internal dissent. Okonkwo's statements, which have begun circulating widely on social and political platforms, accuse the PDP leadership of complicity with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and hypocrisy in its handling of loyalty issues.

Okonkwo did not hold back, labeling the PDP as a party that has effectively become “clowns of the APC.” His frustration stems from PDP’s recent warnings and threats of disciplinary action against its members who have expressed support for the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the Coalition for Nigeria. While the PDP leadership has swiftly condemned those exploring alliances with these smaller political blocs, it remains noticeably silent on members who have openly aligned with APC interests.

Aisha Yesufu, a well-known activist and vocal political commentator, had earlier remarked on the PDP’s alarming silence regarding its prominent figures defecting to or fraternizing with the APC. Her sentiment echoes widely among political observers who question the PDP’s capacity to function as a credible opposition.

Okonkwo took this criticism further, asserting that not only are PDP members openly endorsing APC presidential candidate Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the 2027 elections, but they are also actively working to support APC strategies from within the PDP structure itself. Despite such overt affiliations, these individuals continue to enjoy protection within the party, with some PDP leaders making excuses for their actions instead of enforcing disciplinary measures.

The double standard has infuriated political stakeholders and citizens alike. While grassroots members are targeted for expressing alignment with smaller coalitions that aim to reform Nigeria's political space, those hobnobbing with the ruling party at the highest levels remain untouchable. This inconsistency has sparked accusations of bias, hypocrisy, and cowardice within the PDP leadership.

Observers argue that this internal crisis is not merely a matter of party politics; it reflects a broader systemic problem within Nigerian democracy. If an opposition party is unable to maintain ideological cohesion and accountability, it loses the moral high ground needed to challenge a ruling government effectively.

Kenneth Okonkwo’s criticism speaks to more than party mismanagement. It touches on the disillusionment that many Nigerians feel toward mainstream political structures. For him, the PDP’s failure to hold defectors accountable, while simultaneously targeting those advocating for alternative platforms like the ADC and Coalition for Nigeria, signals that the party has strayed far from its foundational ideals.

His choice of words was scathing yet deliberate. Declaring the PDP “dead” may seem hyperbolic to some, but it captures the sentiment of those who believe the party has lost its relevance. For a party that once held the reins of Nigeria’s federal government for 16 consecutive years, such a fall from grace is both significant and symbolic.

Compounding matters is the fact that some PDP members who have allegedly pledged loyalty to the APC have yet to resign their positions within the PDP, nor have they faced any visible consequences. Political analysts argue that the party's unwillingness to purge these elements from its ranks only serves to embolden them and further weaken PDP’s standing.

On the other hand, supporters of the PDP leadership claim the situation is more nuanced. They argue that strategic patience is necessary in navigating internal crises without causing fractures that could benefit rival parties. However, critics view this as a smokescreen for inaction and say the party's silence is a tacit approval of internal sabotage.

The PDP’s contradictory posture may also have implications for the next general elections. With 2027 looming on the horizon, parties are already positioning themselves, and voters are observing closely. If the PDP continues on this path without course correction, it risks losing both its base and its credibility.

Voices like Kenneth Okonkwo’s are resonating because they articulate what many frustrated Nigerians feel: that the country’s political class often operates with impunity, treating party loyalty and ideology as convenient tools rather than binding commitments. The frustration is compounded by the perception that both major parties have become indistinguishable in terms of their governance records and internal dysfunctions.

Aisha Yesufu’s earlier observation that the PDP has turned a blind eye to members cozying up to the APC underscores a broader truth about political complicity. Her commentary, which many regard as timely and insightful, highlighted the urgency for opposition parties to reassess their internal values if they hope to challenge the political status quo.

The growing perception that the PDP is no longer a viable alternative to the APC could lead to further fragmentation of the political space. Reformist movements and emerging coalitions may benefit from this vacuum, especially among younger and more politically conscious voters looking for a genuine shift.

As the drama unfolds, one thing remains clear: without decisive leadership, transparency, and internal discipline, the PDP risks eroding whatever credibility it has left. Kenneth Okonkwo’s declaration that the PDP is dead may not be an official obituary, but it is certainly a wake-up call that should not be ignored.