The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of executing a calculated plan to dismantle Nigeria’s multiparty democracy in favour of a one-party authoritarian regime.
This claim was made during the PDP’s 99th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held in Abuja on 27 May 2025, marking a fresh escalation in political rivalry as the 2027 general elections draw nearer.
The PDP NEC condemned what it described as systematic intimidation of opposition parties and leaders by the APC-led federal government, which it said was driven by an overwhelming fear of electoral defeat. The party criticised President Bola Tinubu’s administration over deepening insecurity, a faltering economy, and worsening corruption.
Despite recent high-profile defections and internal sabotage, the party insisted it remained focused on defending democratic ideals and strengthening party unity.
Reading from a communique issued at the meeting, the party’s acting National Chairman, Ambassador Iliya Damagum, declared, “NEC stands in firm resistance to the sinister plot by the Tinubu-led APC to turn Nigeria into a one-party totalitarian state. This is evident in the desperate attempts to strip and annihilate opposition parties through open threats and intimidation of opposition figures and institutions of democracy.”
The PDP pointed to what it called the APC’s dismal record in office as the real reason for its growing hostility toward opposition forces, asserting that the ruling party was gripped by a “mortal fear of inevitable defeat in 2027.”
The NEC expressed concern over what it described as the country’s “melancholic state,” citing growing insecurity and a collapsing economy.
“The NEC condemns the worsening insecurity, wanton killings, and the violence against the people,” the statement read. It accused President Tinubu of “negligence and abdication” of his constitutional obligation to safeguard citizens’ lives and property.
The NEC also criticised key economic decisions by the federal government, such as the removal of fuel subsidies, electricity tariff increases, and rising taxation, which it said had triggered a wave of business closures, rising unemployment, and worsening crime levels.
According to the NEC, “Policy inconsistency, wholesale corruption, massive treasury looting, budget padding, and diversion of public funds have led to infrastructure decay and loss of investor confidence.”
Even with recent setbacks, including the sealing of the party’s National Secretariat by the Federal Capital Territory authorities, the PDP leadership maintained a unified front.
Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, who chairs the PDP Governors’ Forum, asserted, “No amount of intimidation or exclusion by the federal government will make us give in. We are ready to tolerate and swallow all the melancholy, all the abuses that we will get. But we will not abandon the mandate.”
To prepare for the road ahead, the NEC approved the formation of strategic committees to steer the party toward its national convention and electoral planning. Key leadership roles were assigned to Governors Duoye Diri, Dauda Lawal, Kaleb Mutfwang, Ahmadu Fintiri, Ademola Adeleke, and Peter Mbah.
Senator Adolphus Wabara, Chairman of the PDP Board of Trustees, called for reconciliation within the party, saying, “No ambition, no grievance, and no misunderstanding should override the collective interest of our party and the hopes of the Nigerian people.”
He added, “We are more than 34 now. With unity and strategy, we believe that PDP, with its ideas, will be the party to beat in 2027.”
Following the closure of its National Secretariat, the NEC meeting was moved to Legacy House, where it was described by Governor Mohammed as “a triumph of democracy, a testament to good governance and resistance to the evil we are experiencing in this country.”
He added, “People are outside waiting to see whether we can surmount these problems – some self-inflicted, others engineered. But with the help of God, we continue to overcome.”
…Sule Lamido boycotts PDP meetings, demands expulsion of Wike, Ortom
Former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido has announced he will boycott all Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) meetings until the Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, is removed from the party.
Lamido made the declaration during an interview on Tuesday, where he criticised the PDP for tolerating anti-party behaviour among some of its members.
He condemned what he described as a weakening respect for the party’s constitution, citing the absence of sanctions against members who openly oppose the PDP.
Expressing his frustration with the party leadership, Lamido pointed specifically to the continued membership of individuals he considers to have acted improperly.
“Look at the Board of Trustees (BOT). People like Ortom, who publicly supported Obi in 2023, remain members,” he said. “That is why I have said I will not attend any PDP meeting unless Wike is expelled and people like Ortom are removed from the BOT.”
While reaffirming his loyalty to the PDP, Lamido made clear that he would not take part in party activities or respond to invitations for meetings as long as Wike and others remain in leadership roles.
“I remain a PDP member, but I will not participate in party functions or answer calls to meetings while these individuals continue in leadership,” he added.
The former governor recalled a time when the party leadership strictly enforced adherence to its constitution, a discipline he believes has since weakened.
He lamented the current situation, where members act against the party’s interests without facing consequences.
