In a candid reflection on the state of the People's Democratic Party (PDP), former Edo State Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu has declared that he always sensed the party's decline. His remarks come at a time when the PDP grapples with internal strife and dwindling public support, highlighting the challenges faced by opposition parties in Nigeria's volatile political landscape. Shaibu's assessment not only underscores his discontent with the PDP's trajectory but also raises questions about the future of opposition politics in a country where the ruling party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), has maintained a firm grip on power.
Philip Shaibu served as deputy governor under Governor Godwin Obaseki, but his relationship with the PDP became strained amid accusations of factionalism and infighting. The party, once a dominant force in Nigerian politics, has seen a significant erosion of its influence since losing the presidential election in 2015 and has struggled to regain its footing in subsequent electoral contests. Shaibu's recent comments reflect a growing sentiment among party stalwarts who feel sidelined amid leadership struggles and a lack of coherent strategy to appeal to the electorate.