Fresh indications have emerged that some senior members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) could face disciplinary action as the party moves to review its performance in the March 28 presidential election, which ended with President Goodluck Jonathan losing his re-election bid.
The review, according to party sources, is expected to examine the factors responsible for the PDP’s poor performance and determine whether any party officials engaged in activities considered detrimental to the party’s interests during the election.
Sources familiar with the development said the party could take disciplinary measures against senior members found to have engaged in alleged anti-party activities.
The planned review is coming amid growing concerns within the PDP over the scale of its defeat in the presidential election, particularly in states where the party had traditionally enjoyed significant support.
Some members of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) and National Executive Committee (NEC), particularly from the northern part of the country, have already come under scrutiny over the election results.
Their critics have alleged that some party officials failed to adequately mobilise support for Jonathan and may have worked against the party’s interests.
Among the areas generating concern are Kogi, Benue and Plateau states, where the PDP suffered setbacks despite its previous strength in parts of the region.
However, there are also voices within the party who believe Jonathan’s defeat cannot be attributed solely to alleged anti-party activities by northern leaders.
They argue that a combination of political, organisational and electoral factors may have contributed to the PDP’s performance and that the party needs a comprehensive assessment before assigning responsibility.
The controversy has also revived earlier allegations against the then PDP National Chairman, Alhaji Adamu Mu’azu.
Mu’azu had faced accusations from some members of the party before the presidential election, with critics alleging that his activities and leadership of the party were not sufficiently supportive of Jonathan’s re-election campaign.
The former Bauchi State governor repeatedly denied allegations that he was working against the interests of the PDP or Jonathan.
The controversy resurfaced last week when Ahmed Gulak, a former Senior Special Adviser to Jonathan on Political Affairs, called for Mu’azu’s resignation, arguing that the PDP’s performance under his leadership required accountability.
With a series of meetings expected to take place within the week, attention is now focused on the outcome of the party’s internal review.
The meetings are expected to examine the election results, assess the conduct of party officials and consider possible disciplinary measures where the party establishes evidence of wrongdoing.
For the PDP, the process could mark the beginning of a wider internal reckoning following Jonathan’s defeat and the party’s loss of the presidency after 16 years in power.
The outcome of the meetings is expected to provide clearer indications of whether any senior party officials will face sanctions, including possible suspension or expulsion from the PDP.
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