The Peoples Democratic Party has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission, security agencies, and the judiciary to demonstrate patriotism and professionalism in discharging their duties to ensure a peaceful and credible 2025 National Convention.
The PDP Media Sub-Committee for the convention, in a statement made available to journalists on Saturday, stated that there were growing fears among the party’s supporters that the All Progressives Congress might use judicial processes to either stop or postpone the convention.
While the party said it maintained confidence in the new INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, it added that it would continue to monitor the commission’s actions before, during, and after the elections.
The party’s convention is scheduled to hold on November 15 and 16 in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.
The statement read, “These fears are not unfounded. Going by the APC’s antecedents, the possibility of using inter- and intra-party destructive elements to thwart the PDP’s November convention cannot be ruled out.
“Covertly and overtly, these elements, operating within and outside the PDP, are willing to go to any extent to serve the selfish interests of their masters in the APC. They must be reminded that nemesis will catch up with them sooner than later.”
The committee further alleged that such actions were part of a plan to manipulate the 2027 general elections and establish a one-party state, paving the way for dictatorship.
It also expressed concerns over the potential misuse of the Nigeria Police Force to disrupt or prevent the lawful gathering of its members during the convention.
“Given the vulnerability of the police to manipulation by those in power, there are genuine fears that they could be used to disperse or delay the forthcoming political assembly.
“In an ideal democracy such as Nigeria’s, opposition remains a vital force that checks the excesses of the ruling party and provides solutions. Where opposition is suppressed, the voices of the people are stifled,” it said.
Appealing to party members, the sub-committee called for unity, resilience, and loyalty in safeguarding the party’s legacy.
“To PDP faithful, this is the time to unite more than ever before. Nothing should be allowed to derail the forthcoming national convention. We have laboured and nurtured Nigerian democracy to its present stage,” it stated.
Credit: punchng.com
