Dan Ulasi: Tinubu Is A Political Strategist, PDP Must Wake Up

Dan Ulasi, a former Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Anambra State, has described President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as a strategic political figure whose influence should not be dismissed, especially amid ongoing defections within the opposition party.

Ulasi made these remarks during a recent appearance on Arise TV’s Morning Show, responding to the wave of high-profile defections from the PDP to the All Progressives Congress (APC). Among the prominent figures who have recently crossed over are former PDP Vice Presidential candidate Ifeanyi Okowa and Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State.

Ulasi expressed concern over these developments, noting that additional PDP governors may soon join the ruling APC, especially in light of the internal crisis surrounding the PDP Governors Forum’s rejection of the coalition formed by Atiku Abubakar, the party’s former presidential candidate.

“The PDP must reassess its direction and begin building resilient political structures across all levels,” Ulasi emphasized.

He recalled a statement made two decades ago by the late Vincent Ogbulafor, former PDP National Chairman, who confidently claimed the party would govern Nigeria for 60 years. “Those bold declarations are no longer credible in the face of present realities,” Ulasi noted.

Criticizing Tinubu’s international travels amid domestic crises such as killings in Makurdi and Plateau, Ulasi questioned the judgment of political leaders abandoning their parties for the APC without clear justification.

Nevertheless, he acknowledged Tinubu’s long-standing political resilience:

“I give Tinubu credit where it’s due. He is a seasoned political strategist. During his tenure as Lagos State Governor under President Obasanjo’s administration, he resisted relentless efforts by the PDP to oust him. While they succeeded in five other states, Tinubu completed his full tenure.”

Ulasi urged PDP members to focus on long-term goals and internal party development instead of waiting for election cycles before scrambling for leadership roles.