2027: PDP Senate caucus backs governors’ position on coalition

Senators on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have aligned themselves with the stance of the governors on unfolding coalition talks.

The PDP Senate Caucus at the end of its meeting on Tuesday said it was not averse to coalition talks with other opposition parties but insisted “that any such coalition should be driven by political parties and not individuals.”

It further clarified that “as the biggest of all the opposition parties, the PDP’s Umbrella is big enough to accommodate all persons desirous of Coalition.”

Senator representing Benue South, Abba Moro, who was former Minority Leader, read the resolution of the PDP Senate Caucus to newsmen.

Nigerian Tribune checks revealed that the PDP Governors Forum at its last April meeting in Ibadan, Oyo State capital, declared that they would not join any coalition or merger ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The forum, however, expressed its willingness to welcome any party, person, or group willing to join the PDP in the effort to “wrest power and enthrone good leadership in 2027.”

Its communique read to newsmen in Ibadan by Bauchi State Governor and Chairman of the Forum, Bala Mohammed, read in part:

“Noting the nationwide speculations about a possible merger of parties, groups and/or associations, the Forum resolved that it 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 with a view to wrestling power and enthroning good leadership in 2027.”

Also speaking on the Senator Bukola Saraki Reconciliation Committee to restore peace in the heavily polarised platform, the Senate Caucus expresses the hope “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.”

The full communique read to newsmen read in part: “Rising from its meeting, the Senate Caucus of the Peoples’ Democratic Party 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 All Progressives Congress, the Labour Party, the New Nigeria Peoples’ Party, the Social Democratic Party, etc, have their own shares 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 synthesis 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 People’s Democratic Party, 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.”

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