Architect Ahmed Dangiwa, Nigeria’s Minister for Housing and Urban Development, has launched a scathing attack on the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), declaring that the party ceased to be a viable political force the moment Atiku Abubakar became a member. In an interview, Dangiwa clarified the reasons behind his stance. attributing PDP’s struggles to a lack of financial backing and criticizing the former Vice President for his alleged lack of commitment to the party.
Dangiwa’s remarks reflect ongoing tensions within Nigerian politics, especially as the country gears up for future elections. His comments about Atiku Abubakar, a leading figure in the PDP, have drawn attention, offering a glimpse into the dynamics of Nigerian party politics as well as the personal rivalries that play a role in the country’s governance.
Dangiwa did not hold back in his assessment of Atiku Abubakar’s influence on the PDP, stating that the party’s decline started when the former Vice President became a member. According to Dangiwa, Atiku is not a genuine party builder. “Atiku Abubakar is just like a snake; he doesn’t fund parties. He only gathers money to win primaries and then abandons the party afterward,” Dangiwa said, casting Atiku’s approach to politics as opportunistic and self-serving.
Dangiwa’s criticism comes at a time when the PDP is grappling with internal struggles and attempts to rebuild its influence following the party’s poor performance in recent elections. The PDP has been accused of being disorganized, lacking strong leadership, and struggling to unite its factions. According to Dangiwa, one of the primary reasons for these struggles is the lack of financial support from within the party. He claims that no one in the PDP is willing to provide the necessary funds to propel the party forward, contributing to its current state of disarray.
In contrast, Dangiwa praised President Bola Tinubu for his financial commitment to his political party, the All Progressives Congress (APC). Dangiwa argued that while Atiku Abubakar has been quick to secure funding for his personal political ambitions, he has not demonstrated the same level of commitment to the parties he associates with.
“Tinubu, on the other hand, funded our party and campaigns. Now tell me, who will do that in the SDP? Is it El-Rufai or who?” Dangiwa remarked, making it clear that President Tinubu’s financial contributions have been key to the APC’s strength. Dangiwa’s statement about the SDP, or Social Democratic Party, further reflects his belief in the importance of financial backing for a party to succeed in Nigeria’s highly competitive political environment.
This emphasis on financial backing underscores a broader issue in Nigerian politics, where the ability to fund campaigns and maintain party infrastructure plays a significant role in determining the success or failure of political parties. Dangiwa’s praise of Tinubu’s financial commitment to the APC suggests that, in his view, the financial stability provided by Tinubu has contributed to the APC’s dominance in Nigerian politics.
Dangiwa also acknowledged the political challenges that the APC faces in the upcoming elections, particularly with regards to northern voters. He admitted that opponents of the current administration would attempt to sway northern voters by blaming President Tinubu for the economic hardships facing the region.
“Yes, I know it will be difficult for us in the next election because they would have infiltrated the minds of common Northerners, saying Tinubu brought hunger, poverty, this and that,” Dangiwa said, recognizing that the opposition would likely try to capitalize on economic grievances in the North.
Despite these potential challenges, Dangiwa expressed optimism about Nigeria’s economic recovery. He pointed to improvements in the standard of living and greater hope for the people, which he believes will help secure support for the APC in future elections. His remarks suggest that, despite the difficult economic situation, he believes the administration’s efforts are beginning to pay off and will help shift public sentiment in favor of the ruling party.
Dangiwa’s most important message, however, was directed at northern voters. He urged them to carefully consider the consequences of removing President Tinubu from power. Dangiwa argued that, despite the economic challenges, Tinubu has provided the necessary tools for development in the northern states. He stressed that the North would be making a grave mistake if it chose another leader over Tinubu in the next election.
“My message to those whose minds have been infiltrated against Tinubu is to think deeply about this. If you remove Tinubu, who will you bring? Tinubu has given us all the needed tools to build our states,” Dangiwa said, emphasizing that the APC government has laid the groundwork for future growth and development in Nigeria’s northern region.
Dangiwa’s comments suggest that he views Tinubu’s leadership as a key factor in addressing the region’s long-standing challenges, such as poverty, insecurity, and underdevelopment. By encouraging voters in the North to support Tinubu, Dangiwa is seeking to ensure that the APC remains in power and continues to implement its policies.
Dangiwa’s statements are part of a larger conversation about the state of Nigerian politics as the country looks ahead to future elections. The political rivalry between the ruling APC and the opposition PDP is likely to intensify, particularly as both parties attempt to win over voters in the North, a region that has long been crucial to the success of any political party in Nigeria.
Atiku Abubakar’s influence in the PDP continues to be a subject of debate, with critics arguing that his lack of financial commitment to the party and his perceived opportunism have contributed to its decline. On the other hand, Dangiwa’s praise of Tinubu highlights the importance of financial backing and strong leadership in maintaining a successful political party.
As Nigeria moves toward the next set of elections, these political dynamics will play a significant role in shaping the country’s future. Dangiwa’s statements reflect the ongoing struggle for power between the APC and PDP, as well as the challenges each party faces in securing the support of key voter groups.
