The Peoples Democratic Party has declared itself the natural and credible alternative to the ruling All Progressives Congress, as it intensifies preparations to reclaim power in the 2027 general elections.
The party says Nigerians are yearning for a return to the “golden years of democracy” it claims to have delivered during its 16-year rule.
This message was reinforced by the PDP’s National Publicity Secretary, Hon. Debo Ologunagba, who addressed journalists in Abuja on Wednesday. He described the APC-led government as having failed to meet the expectations of Nigerians, insisting that the PDP offers the only viable route out of the country’s current socio-economic challenges.
“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.
The PDP believes its momentum towards a political comeback began with its recent National Executive Council (NEC) meeting, setting the stage for its November 15 National Elective Convention in Ibadan, Oyo State.
To strengthen its position as a government-in-waiting, the party has vowed to enforce internal discipline and loyalty among its ranks. Ologunagba stressed that the PDP will no longer tolerate anti-party behaviour or dissent that threatens its unity and direction.
“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 said.
He further stated that errant members would face strict consequences, including suspension and expulsion.
“We demand 100% loyalty for our members. We have issued that statement. That statement is working. That’s our position today,” Ologunagba declared.
When questioned about the influence of high-profile figures like Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, Ologunagba made it clear that no individual is above the party’s constitution or authority. He dismissed Wike’s push for the reversal of the South-South Zonal Congress outcome, saying the PDP has already moved past that issue.
“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 said.
On Wike’s assertion that the PDP filed a case opposing emergency rule in Rivers State, Ologunagba questioned the legal basis of the claim.
“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,” he added.
Amid internal wrangling in the Imo State chapter, where 83 members have taken legal action over alleged exclusion from the State Congress, the party said the matter is under investigation for appropriate action.
Ologunagba also responded to rumours suggesting a return of former President Goodluck Jonathan and Labour Party’s 2023 flagbearer, Peter Obi, to the PDP ahead of 2027. He clarified that such decisions lie with the individuals, but reiterated that the PDP remains open to all.
“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 said.
According to him, the PDP already boasts governors capable of leading Nigeria, including Bala Mohammed of Bauchi, Seyi Makinde of Oyo, Agbu Kefas of Taraba, and Douye Diri of Bayelsa.
With its convention drawing near and strategic positioning intensifying, the PDP is reaffirming its image as the political alternative many Nigerians, it claims, are beginning to rally behind once again.
