The Board of Trustees (BoT) of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has raised an alarm over what it perceives as a plot by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to impose a one-party system in Nigeria, following the controversial outcome of the Edo State governorship election.
The BoT therefore called on Nigerians to resist any attempt to undermine democracy and urged the PDP to take legal action to reclaim its mandate.
Speaking after the BoT’s meeting at the PDP headquarters in Abuja, the chairman, Senator Adolphus Wabara, voiced concerns over the country’s deteriorating socio-economic situation, which he blamed on APC policies.
He decried the worsening economic hardship, food crisis, and general misery in the country, saying the APC government must urgently revise its policies.
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“The BoT demands that the APC administration immediately review its policies and reduce fuel prices. It must also make investments to boost food production and revamp the manufacturing sector to create jobs and reduce the suffering of Nigerians,” Wabara stated.
The BoT also condemned what it termed the “brazen rigging” of the September 21, 2024 Edo governorship election, accusing the APC of colluding with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and some police officers to manipulate the results.
Wabara said the PDP’s candidate, Dr Asue Ighodalo, was the legitimate winner based on votes from polling units, and the party would explore all legal avenues to recover its mandate.
“The manipulation of the Edo election is part of the APC’s plot to create a one-party system and totalitarian rule in Nigeria. This must be firmly resisted,” he added.
Also, the BoT further urged the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) to ensure that the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting scheduled for October 24 is held as planned. Wabara stressed that the meeting is critical for addressing internal crises and setting strategies for the party’s future.
The NEC meeting has been postponed three times—originally set for August 15, moved to September 26, and now slated for October 24, due to congresses and other reasons, Daily Trust reports.
Sources within the PDP hinted that some party stakeholders were attempting to extend the tenure of the Acting National Chairman, Umar Iliya Damagum, until next year.
However, Wabara said the BoT is determined to ensure that the NEC meeting takes place on October 24 to avoid such delays.
Wabara emphasised that holding the NEC meeting is crucial to resolving ongoing issues and preparing the party for future elections.
He added that the party must remain united and address internal disputes, especially those involving the Rivers State chapter.
The BoT also expressed concerns about the escalating crisis within the PDP in Rivers State. The board called for an urgent meeting involving the NWC, the PDP Governors’ Forum, the leadership of the party’s National Assembly Caucus, and a BoT special committee to address the issues.
In the communique, the BoT urged party members to avoid unnecessary litigation and resolve disputes through the PDP’s internal mechanisms. The board stressed the importance of unity and commitment among party members, reminding them that the PDP remains a beacon of hope for millions of Nigerians.
Wabara also reiterated the importance of the work being done by the party’s National Reconciliation and Disciplinary committees. He urged the committees to adhere to the constitution and rule of law in their efforts to foster peace and unity within the party. Referring to former Rivers State governor and current Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, Wabara praised his recent call for adherence to party principles, urging all members to cooperate with the committees.
“We are one family, and the party is supreme. Members should submit to the committees, or we risk enabling the ruling party’s plans to create a one-party state. We are almost there, but we can still resist this,” Wabara concluded.
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