Adnan Mukhtar Tudunwada, a former aspirant for the Kano House of Assembly in the 2023 general elections, has openly criticized the National Youth Leader of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Muhammad Kadade, for his failure to effectively represent and mobilize the party’s youth wing. Mukhtar, in his statement on Wednesday, accused Kadade of being disengaged and not prioritizing the needs of young Nigerians within the party.
Mukhtar specifically pointed out Kadade’s apparent lack of initiative in organizing key youth mobilization efforts, such as tours for the party’s presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, during the 2023 elections. He lamented the lack of communication and action from Kadade and claimed that the youth wing’s activities were stagnating due to his inactivity. Mukhtar also expressed disappointment over Kadade’s alleged preference for aligning with influential figures, like Nyesom Wike, rather than focusing on strengthening the party. He suggested that this misaligned loyalty was damaging the youth wing’s effectiveness.
In response, Kadade defended his performance, stating that leadership comes with challenges that are often underestimated by those outside the position. He acknowledged that leaders face criticism regardless of their efforts, and claimed that his actions during the 2023 election period were extensive. Kadade further emphasized that if he were not fulfilling his responsibilities, the party leadership would not have allowed him to continue in the position.
Kadade also took a personal swipe at Mukhtar, implying that if leadership were as easy as Mukhtar suggested, he would have been able to secure a position during the 2023 elections.
The exchange highlights internal friction within the PDP, particularly concerning the management and engagement of its youth wing. It also sheds light on the broader challenges facing political party leadership in Nigeria, where generational differences and competing loyalties can strain party unity.