‘Part remain strong’
The Senate Caucus of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) on Tuesday disagreed with the party’s governors on the call for a coalition.
Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro, who is the PDP Caucus leader, told reporters that a coalition was the way to go.
He called on party faithful to remain resolute and loyal to the party, saying the idea of a one-party state is anti-democratic.
The governors, after a meeting in Ibadan on April 14, ruled out PDP involvement in any coalition or merger ahead of the 2027 elections.
The governors said: “On the nationwide speculations about a possible merger of political parties, groups and/or associations, the Forum resolved that the PDP will not join any coalition or merger.
“However, the PDP as a major opposition party welcomes any party, persons or groups that are willing to join it with a view to wresting power and enthroning good leadership in 2027.”
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar had rallied the opposition into a coalition and merger.
On March 20 at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja, Atiku, in company with Nasir El-Rufai and others, announced the plan for a coalition of the opposition against the APC.
Moro, flanked by majority of PDP members in the Senate, said: “Rising from its meeting, the Senate Caucus of the PDP issues the following statement to assure its members that contrary to insinuations that the party is in shreds and on the verge of collapse, the party remains strong and will continue to wax stronger.
“The PDP Senate Caucus observes that the current conflicts in the PDP are not unique to the party, as all the other parties, such as the APC, the Labour Party, the New Nigeria Peoples Party, the Social Democratic Party etc, have their own share of crisis and conflicts.
“The Senate Caucus of the PDP, therefore, urges all our teaming members to remain resolute in their commitment, dedication, and loyalty to the Party.
“The Caucus believes that the series of activities lined up by the leadership of the party will throw up a new lease of life and leadership in the party that will make it competitive in future elections.
“The Senate Caucus of the PDP states further that the beauty of democracy is in the existence of robust opposition to keep the ruling party in check to ensure good governance.
“Celebrating the emasculation of other parties and tilting towards a one-party state will not advance the cause of democracy.
“The Senate Caucus of the PDP states that it is not averse to the idea and ideals of coalition.
“The Caucus observes that the synthesisation of ideas and creating a harmony of ideals will further the beauty of democracy.
“However, the Caucus advises that any such coalition should be driven by political parties and not individuals.
“And as the biggest of all the opposition parties, the PDP’s umbrella is big enough to accommodate all persons desirous of coalition.
“The PDP, therefore, should drive the coalition if and when it becomes necessary.
“Finally, the Senate Caucus of the PDP states emphatically that the party is a big brand that is competitive.
“In all nooks and crannies of Nigeria, there are PDP members.
“The Caucus asserts that out of the throes of the current conflicts in the Party will arise a renewed, vibrant party that will give Nigeria an alternative to the current ruling party.
“The Caucus, therefore, urges all members of the party to rededicate, recommit and demonstrate steadfast and unwavering loyalty to the party to provide a safeguard for democracy in Nigeria.”
Also on Tuesday, former Abia State Governor Okezie Ikpeazu said despite perceptions that the PDP was in crisis and may not recover before the 2027 general elections, the party’s “ghost” was stronger than most other parties.
Ikpeazu spoke during a Southeast PDP stakeholders’ meeting, where he emphasised the need for unity among party leaders in the region.
He urged all warring factions within the party to sheathe their swords and await the outcome of the strategy committee led by former Senate President, Senator Bukola Saraki.
“Even in what some may call its weakest moment, the ghost of the PDP is stronger than most political parties in this country.
“That’s why we must be careful not to destroy what we have built over the years. We should close ranks, respect constituted authority, and allow peace to reign,” Ikpeazu said.
