By Zainab Rauf Prominent members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), under the banner of "Concerned Leaders of the PDP...
By Zainab Rauf
Prominent members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), under the banner of "Concerned Leaders of the PDP," met in Abuja on Tuesday to express deep concern over the worsening condition of the party and the state of the nation, calling for urgent unity among opposition forces to “rescue Nigeria from collapse.”
In a communiqué issued at the end of the meeting held at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, the leaders lamented the decline of the PDP since its loss in the last presidential election and the departure of Dr. Iyorchia Ayu as National Chairman, saying the party has “never been the same again.”
The gathering, convened to reflect on the PDP’s internal challenges and Nigeria’s broader political crisis, condemned what it described as the “irresponsible actions” of the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led federal government. The communiqué alleged that state institutions are being manipulated to stifle opposition and erode democratic norms.
“The inability of the PDP leadership to uphold the party’s Constitution, rules, and regulations has led it into chaos and indiscipline,” the statement read. “The vision of the founding fathers has been lost. The party’s proud legacy of restoring Nigeria to unity and stability is rapidly fading.”
The leaders warned that Nigeria, once regarded as a continental giant and leader of the Black race, has become “a diminished country and an embarrassment on the world stage.”
Deliberations at the meeting focused on pressing national concerns including democratic decline, insecurity, economic collapse, institutional corruption, and ineffective governance. The communiqué delivered a damning assessment of the APC government, accusing it of failing in all areas of national development and worsening the living conditions of ordinary Nigerians.
“The APC government, which rose to power on the wings of false and evil propaganda, is now a disaster to our nation and must be voted out,” the leaders declared. “All indices of development have collapsed. Life is now hell in Nigeria.”
The communiqué also acknowledged the current state of disarray within the PDP, citing defections and political instability, which it blamed on fear, blackmail, and patronage deployed by the ruling party.
However, the leaders affirmed their resolve to forge a new path, calling for unity among progressive elements within and outside the PDP.
They resolved to:
Encourage all well-meaning PDP members and patriotic Nigerians to join a growing coalition aimed at saving Nigeria.
Promote a united opposition front based on shared values of national unity, democracy, security, economic reform, and anti-corruption.
Work out strategic modalities to win future elections, taking into account both local and national dynamics.
The meeting concluded with a firm commitment to restore the soul of the party and mobilize Nigerians for the task of reclaiming the country from what participants described as the "misrule of the APC."
The statement did not name the full list of participants but indicated that a broader coalition of opposition forces will be announced in the coming weeks.
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