The Senate Minority Leader, Abba Moro, has blamed the ongoing crisis in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on the actions of its own members, especially top party leaders, governors and elected officials.
Speaking during an interview on ARISE News on Thursday, Moro dismissed claims that external forces were responsible for the instability rocking the opposition party. Instead, he said the problems were largely self-inflicted.
“I believe the responsibility lies mainly with political actors,” Moro said. “The visible crisis in political parties today is caused by those within.”
His comments come at a time when the PDP, Nigeria’s main opposition party, has been struggling with internal disagreements, leadership disputes and concerns about its unity ahead of future elections.
Moro, who represents Benue South Senatorial District, stressed that those holding positions of power within the party must take responsibility for the current situation. According to him, governors, lawmakers and senior party officials have played major roles in creating and worsening internal conflicts.
He said, “When you look at what is happening, you will see clearly that the issues are coming from inside. Those who should protect the party are the ones contributing to its problems.”
Despite the ongoing tensions, Moro rejected suggestions that the PDP has broken into factions. He insisted that the party remains one united entity, even though disagreements exist.
“There is only one PDP,” he said firmly, adding that internal disputes should not be mistaken for a complete division within the party.
The PDP has a long history in Nigeria’s political landscape. Formed in 1998, it was the ruling party at the federal level from 1999 until 2015, when it lost power to the All Progressives Congress (APC). Since then, the party has faced repeated internal crises, including leadership struggles and disagreements among key stakeholders.
Moro also spoke about a past internal crisis involving a controversial party convention held in Ibadan, Oyo State. According to him, the event worsened the party’s problems because it was conducted despite a court order stopping it.
He explained that the convention created confusion and deepened divisions within the party, as different groups laid claim to leadership positions.
“The Ibadan convention made matters worse,” Moro said, noting that the process did not follow legal guidelines.
He added that the situation was later addressed by the Court of Appeal, which ruled that the convention was invalid. The court’s decision nullified all outcomes from the gathering, further complicating the party’s leadership structure at the time.
The PDP has in recent years struggled to maintain unity among its members, especially between influential governors and other party leaders. Disagreements over zoning arrangements, leadership positions and political strategy have often led to public disputes.
One of the major challenges facing the party has been how to manage the interests of powerful stakeholders while presenting a united front to Nigerians. Analysts say that without internal unity, it may be difficult for the PDP to effectively challenge the ruling party in future elections.
Moro’s remarks highlight a growing concern within the party that its problems are largely internal and require honest reflection and reform.
He urged party members to focus on resolving their differences and strengthening internal democracy, rather than blaming outsiders.
They note that while allegations of interference by rival parties are common, many crises are driven by competition among party members themselves.
For many Nigerians, the stability of opposition parties like the PDP is important for the country’s democracy. A strong opposition is seen as necessary to hold the government accountable and provide alternative policies.
As the PDP continues to navigate its internal challenges, party members are under increasing pressure to find lasting solutions. Calls for reconciliation, dialogue and respect for party rules have grown louder in recent months.
Whether the party can overcome its current difficulties remains to be seen. However, Moro’s comments make it clear that, in his view, the solution lies within the party itself.
“The responsibility is ours,” he said. “We must fix our problems from inside.”