PDP Chieftain Ashipa Raises Concern Over National Leadership Crisis, Warns of Implications for Ibadan North Bye-election

A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ismaila Ashipa, has expressed deep concern over the ongoing leadership crisis rocking the national secretariat of the party, warning that the unresolved dispute could negatively affect the forthcoming bye-election in Ibadan North Federal Constituency.

In a statement issued on Friday, Ashipa described the ongoing tussle over the rightful occupant of the National Secretary position as a dangerous distraction capable of derailing the party’s preparation for the August 16 bye-election.

According to him, the confusion surrounding the authentic National Secretary of the party is particularly worrisome because the office plays a crucial role in processing and submitting official documents to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), especially those related to candidate nomination and certification.

“The grandstanding and flowery renditions of attacks and counterattacks by the national stakeholders and leaders of our party on who is the authentic National Secretary is of great concern to me,” Ashipa stated.

He noted that any delay or misstep in addressing the issue could jeopardize the party’s chances in the Ibadan North bye-election. “Whoever emerges as the PDP candidate, his credentials must pass through the office of the National Secretary for validation and submission to INEC,” he warned.

Ashipa appealed to the party’s national leadership to put aside personal interests and urgently resolve the internal conflict before the expiration of the INEC timetable.

“I pray that the lingering crisis bedeviling our party and dwindling our gains and progress would be resolved swiftly and in the interest of the PDP family,” he said.

Despite the uncertainty, Ashipa remains optimistic, concluding his statement with the hopeful note: “Joy is coming.”

The bye-election in Ibadan North was necessitated by the death of the former lawmaker representing the constituency. Political observers say the outcome of the poll will serve as a litmus test for the PDP’s popularity ahead of the 2027 general elections.