The media sub-committee of the 2025 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Convention scheduled to be held next week in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, on Saturday said the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) may take advantage of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) police.
The media committee said this in a statement signed and issued to journalists in Bauchi. Said APC could also use the judiciary and others to stop the conference from holding for its own benefit.
The Committee urged the Judiciary, INEC, Police and others to demonstrate high levels of patriotism and transparency in the discharge of their duties.
The party wants the institutions to follow the rules and regulations guiding the conference and ensure that the process is free, fair and transparent.
Also urging the Judiciary, INEC and the Police to prioritize the interests of Nigeria and its citizens rather than serving the interests of the ruling party.
“They should remember that they will be called to give account of their deeds here or hereafter or both. After all, their refusal to follow the laid down rules and regulations, their selfish actions and/or their actions, are capable of not only hampering the democratic development of the country but also leading to anarchy, destruction and national disaster.”
The Committee further stated that in an ideal democratic setting, and especially the type of democracy being practiced in Nigeria, the opposition is an invigorating tonic that not only checks the excesses of the ruling party but also provides solutions to the problems. However, where the opposition is being stifled, it can be said that the voice of the people is being suppressed.
“In Nigeria today, it is an open secret that, indicators are suspecting that the ruling party at the centre, the APC, is intent on using every tool at its disposal, including the abuse of vital democratic institutions on which credible and sustainable democracy is built, to continue its misgovernance in the country.”
He further said that “the Judiciary, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Nigeria Police and other law enforcement agencies are likely to become instruments of manipulation in the hands of the All Peoples Congress (APC).
“For this and other reasons, it is no surprise that fears are being expressed by supporters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) that the APC is considering the use of the judiciary to ensure that the upcoming party conference does not take place at all, or is postponed indefinitely”
“These fears are certainly not unfounded and in line with the history of the APC, the possibility of the use of subversive elements within and within the party to sabotage the PDP’s proposed convention in November cannot be ruled out.”
“All these subversive elements operating from within and outside the PDP will go to any extent to serve the self-interests of their masters in the APC. They need to be reminded here that sooner or later, the nemesis will definitely catch up with them.”
It further stated that “all conspiracies are certainly in preparation for grand electoral manipulation in the 2027 general elections and the coronation of a one-party democracy that will pave the way towards dictatorship”.
He urged the party faithful that now more than ever is the time to unite, muster courage and stand firm in safeguarding the legacy of the party through solidarity, unity and loyalty.
“Nothing should be allowed to mar the upcoming national conference, bearing in mind that we have worked so hard, so hard, to raise Nigerian democracy to its present level”
calls on Party members not to succumb to the antics of fifth columnists, agents of anti-democratic conduct, to tarnish the reputation of the Party which, by all standards, is the truly national party in the country that previously ruled with foresight and excellent leadership.
Party members need to know that the party leadership and its party are working round the clock to counter all possible elements of subversion, be it from state institutions or hired individuals. Friendly civil society organizations and international communities are being approached as needed to join hands in preserving and protecting our democratic culture.
