Bala Mohammed in the future of PDP ,By Stanley Musa

As the PDP shakes off the shackles of election defeat by robustly rising to the challenge of opposition politics in Nigeria, the morale of its teeming population of members across the nation has continued to soar dramatically. Even without the incessant crises in the ruling APC and the peculiar problems of the Buhari Presidency presenting frequent opportunities for launching opposition missiles, the sheer enthusiasm and unwavering loyalty being displayed by PDP rank and file sends strong signals of rapid resurgence of Africa's largest party.

Although post-election analysts tend to exaggerate the impact of internal party problems on the misfortunes of the PDP, there is no denying the more overwhelming effects of former President Goodluck  Jonathan's now internationally-acclaimed submission to the cause of peaceful transition. This singular factor engendered the attitude of voluntarily refraining from pursuing several legal and political flaws to annul Buhari's candidature and void the APC victory. By implication, it will not be such a big deal for the PDP to regain its mass momentum and re-strategize for a valiant comeback in 2019.

From all indications, the forthcoming elections of new party national executives to revamp the PDP will determine the prospects for the robust opposition and eventual resurrection of PDP Power. Specifically, the emergence of a suitable National Chairman with the correct collection of qualities necessary to spearhead the process of political transformation and re-invigoration of the membership is considered crucial for these objectives to be realized. Fortunately, the entire membership of the party across the country is looking up to the men of timber and calibre who constitute its leadership elite to rally round and maximise the potentially positive outcome of the elections.

Obviously, the position of National Chairman of the PDP is a much-coveted position that is bound to attract many contenders. Already there is a gradual build up of expectations and consensus on the strategic advantage of retaining the existing template of representation, especially that of the North East for producing the next chairman. Indeed, this is already manifesting as the main contenders are all from the North East. This scenario is also greatly influenced by the felt need to safeguard and consolidate the established geo-political dynamics of the PDP rather than disrupting it in response to the outcome of the 2015 elections, which is generally regarded as a fluke.

Given the unavoidable challenge of timing and the urgency of the transformation and reinvigoration process envisaged for a successful realization of set objectives, leading stakeholders in the party strongly advocate elimination of the protracted selection process. Instead, they promote the candidature of the most qualified, competent and popularly acceptable contender from the North East -Senator Bala Mohammed, immediate past FCT Minister and long-standing dependable dynamo of PDP national strategy. Certainly, of all those expressing interest, he is the only one who is not just willing but definitely also able to meet the demands and perform effectively, going by his outstanding record of service to the PDP.

It is particularly pertinent that Senator Bala Mohammed already has the unique advantage of political versatility and courageous commitment to successful endeavours from his impressive antecedents. His political versatility is heavily hinged on his enviable experience and attainments as a journalist/administrator-turned-political strategist, which saw him soaring to the very pinnacles of national power and responsible leadership even as he remained steadfast and suave at the grassroots home front  in his native Bauchi State. As Kauran Bauchi, he is a much- admired man of the people. As a matter of political reality, Senator Bala Mohammed is today the first popular man standing on the summit of Bauchi Politics having outlived the recently terminated reigns of both Isa Yuguda and Adamu Muazu.

Senator Bala Mohammed's national profile confers on him a remarkable status in the context of political prowess. From his spectacular spearheading of the nationalistic initiative that culminated in the historic Doctrine of Necessity with his groundbreaking motion in the Senate, to his unflinching support of the national interest by deeds and utterances at every opportunity, Senator Bala Mohammed is the National Chairman PDP needs for the task ahead. To complete his compliance with the prerequisites for best practices in good governance, his successful tenure as FCT Minister,  which was widely recognized for inclusiveness, accountability and tangible development, is just too laudable to be ignored.

Without embellishment, it is beyond contention that at this crucial time in the life of the PDP, no one presents better qualifications from the North East zone of the party than Senator Bala Mohammed. He is also most endowed with the needed pan-Nigerian network of  comrades, associates, acquaintances and well-wishers for a smooth sail to the National Chairmanship of the PDP. That will be the logical next pedestal in Senator Bala Mohammed's  promising  and still unfolding progressive career in national politics and responsible leadership. The PDP's planned rebirth and rededication will certainly kick off to a resounding success under his watch.

STANLEY MUSA is youth leader in Jos