The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has distanced itself from comments attributed to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, urging PDP candidates to collapse their political structures and support President Bola Tinubu’s re-election.
In a statement signed by its Interim National Working Committee’s National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Ini Ememobong, the party said Wike’s position does not reflect the views of “true and principled” members of the PDP.
The party argued that the minister’s remarks were directed at individuals it described as opposition figures working in the interest of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), rather than committed PDP members.
According to the statement, the primary responsibility of any opposition party is to provide an alternative platform to the incumbent government rather than endorse its policies or political ambitions.
The PDP maintained that any future political alliance involving opposition parties should be among opposition groups themselves and not with the governing party. It warned that attempts to build what it described as a “rainbow coalition” involving the ruling party could pose a threat to Nigeria’s electoral democracy.
The party further alleged that such political arrangements could undermine democratic competition and weaken opposition politics in the country.
Addressing its ongoing internal leadership dispute, the PDP urged its members to remain steadfast while awaiting judgment in a case currently before the Court of Appeal.
The statement noted that proceedings in the matter had been concluded and expressed confidence that the judiciary would deliver justice promptly.
“We urge all true and faithful members of the Peoples Democratic Party to remain steadfast as we await the judiciary’s decision, hopeful that it will return our party to its true owners,” the statement said.
The opposition party also cautioned Nigerians against what it described as “elite accommodation and state capture” disguised as political collaboration, urging voters to use future elections to hold political leaders accountable.
The statement reaffirmed the PDP’s commitment to providing opposition to the APC-led Federal Government and made it clear that the party would not support President Tinubu’s re-election bid.
