2027: We’re focused on unseating APC — PDP

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has said that its primary focus at the moment is to unseat the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027 as it puts behind itself the contending issues disrupting the party’s cohesion.

The PDP stated that the process of unseating the APC had already started with its recent National Executive Council (NEC) meeting, preparatory to the upcoming November 15 National Elective Convention scheduled for Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

The National Publicity Secretary of the party, Hon. Debo Ologunagba, while speaking with reporters on Wednesday in Abuja on preparations for the convention, heavily criticised the APC for allegedly being unable to prosper the country and the wellbeing of Nigerians.

“Nigerians continue to remember the golden years of democracy in Nigeria, which they enjoyed during our 16 years in office.

“Nigerians want a return to that era. PDP is the next natural alternative to the APC

“We are ready for our national convention. The party remains the rallying point for Nigerians. They can see that we are open to discussions. We are coming out stronger”, Ologunagba said.

To achieve this target, the NPS said party loyalty and discipline must be enforced by all members as enshrined in its constitution.

“Anti-party activities will no longer be condoned, by whatever name or shape it is called. When we are organised, we can become the opposition party that we are.

“We have a duty as a party member to obey the constitution and abide by it”, he added.

He added that henceforth, the PDP would not hesitate to wield the big stick against any errant members, including restoring to options like suspension, reprimanding and expulsion.

“We demand 100% loyalty for our members. We have issued that statement. That statement is working. That’s our position today”, he said.

When reminded that some members like the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, consider themselves as being above the party, Ologunagba replied that Wike was not in a position to continue to dictate to the party.

Citing the case of the outcome of the South-South Zonal Congress, which Wike demanded must be restored, Ologunagba clarified that the party had long gone past the issue.

He insisted that the caretaker committee the party set up to oversee the zone would continue in office until a new congress would be held.

“This party is PDP. We are guided by our rules. The tenure of the South-South zonal committee expired and, consistent with its constitution, the PDP set up a caretaker committee headed by Emma Ogidi.

“That committee was inaugurated formally and has started working seamlessly. PDP will not take conditions from anybody”, he stressed.

On the claim by Wike that the party filed a case opposing the emergency rule declared in Rivers State, the NPS said, “The question that should be asked is that has it been listed by the Supreme Court? If it’s been listed, then we’ll have a hearing notice. Hearing notice, I am not aware of.”

Similarly, the party reacted to the brewing crisis in the Imo State chapter, where 83 members had gone to court to challenge the outcome of the State Congress conducted there over allegation of “exclusion of some delegates” from the exercise.

Ologunagba said the case would be investigated for the appropriate responses.

Speaking on the rumoured plan of former President Goodluck Jonathan and the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Mr Peter Obi, to return to the PDP to vie for the presidential ticket for 2027, Ologunagba said only the two personalities could answer questions regarding their future political ambitions.

He explained that while the two would be welcome should they choose to return as its doors remained open to all, the PDP would not go out of its way to ask anyone to come and pick its ticket.

According to the spokesman, the PDP is not only an “attractive platform” but also parades “capable and performing governors” who can fly its flag in 2027.

“I tell you this, today, this party has many very qualified, exceedingly qualified, performing governors that can set up the place to become president of this country. So the question you’re asking me is: is Jonathan contesting? Ask him. I don’t speak for President Jonathan. You go ask him. You have access to him, I know. So ask him. It’s not for me to speculate. That’s your imagination.

“Also, are we talking to Obi? I don’t know why you’re asking that question. Ask Obi, who is talking to him”, he added.

Ologunagba noted that the governors, including Bala Mohammed of Taraba State, Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, Agbu Kefas of Taraba State and Diri Douye of Bayelsa State, were all qualified to become the president of Nigeria.

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