The Hypocrisy Of The PDP In Edo: A Closer Look At Their Role In The End Bad Governance Protest

FELIX OSEMWENGIE ISERE, ESQ. 

The Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) in Edo recent actions during the ongoing End Bad Governance protest in Nigeria have actually exposed the party’s deceptive and hypocritical nature. Initially, the party announced the suspension of their campaigns in solidarity with the protest, signalling a commitment to the cause. However, their subsequent actions have raised questions about their sincerity and exposed a glaring hypocrisy within the party.

The decision to suspend their campaigns was seen as a positive step by many, as it indicated a willingness to prioritize the fight against bad governance over political ambitions. It appeared that the PDP was aligning itself with the demands of the protesters and showing support for the grassroots movement, but immediately they realised the protest was turning against them and their evil plan of using the protest to get more mileage against the opposition, they jettisoned it. In fact, the governor who wants to openly support them both in words and logistics immediately started threatening some of them.

Furthermore, the situation took a turn when it became apparent that the PDP was using the protest as a platform to further their political agenda. Instead of fully engaging in the protest and amplifying the voices of the people, the party saw an opportunity to leverage the momentum of the movement for their gain.

The PDP’s swift return to campaigning while the protest is still ongoing and the ten days have not passed sent a clear message – their commitment to the cause was superficial at best. It became evident that the party was more interested in capitalizing on the protest for political mileage rather than genuinely standing against bad governance.

This flip-flop in their approach not only undermines the credibility of the PDP but also highlights the lack of sincerity in their actions. By using the protest as a temporary hiatus from campaigning, the party revealed a disconnect between their words and deeds, exposing their opportunistic nature.

The PDP’s behaviour during the End Bad Governance protest serves as a stark reminder of the challenges in Nigerian politics, where political parties often prioritize self-interest over the welfare of the people. The party’s actions reflect a broader pattern of insincerity and opportunism that erodes trust in the political system.

The Peoples Democratic Party’s handling of the End Bad Governance protests exposes their hypocrisy and lack of sincerity. By suspending their campaigns only to resume them when it suited their agenda, the party demonstrated a disregard for the genuine concerns of the people. This episode serves as a cautionary tale about the need for transparency, integrity, and genuine commitment to the fight against bad governance in Nigeria.

– Felix Osemwengie Isere is a Lawyer, the Covener of Joint Action for the Defence of Democracy in Edo State(JAFDES) and the Deputy Director of the APC 2024 Governorship Campaign Committees.