The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has stated that Nigerians are eagerly waiting for the party to put its internal affairs in order, as they view the PDP’s vibrancy as essential for the survival of the nation’s democracy.
This assertion was made by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, while addressing journalists in Abuja on the ongoing preparations for the party’s upcoming national convention, which is scheduled to hold from November 15 to 16.
Mr. Ologunagba, who also serves as the Secretary of the National Convention Publicity Sub-committee, argued that the significant public interest shown in the party’s convention is a direct reflection of the people’s love and enduring belief in the PDP as a viable political alternative.
“Nigerians are eager to know what the PDP is doing to put itself together as a party, because they see the party’s vibrancy as the only way to guarantee the sustenance of democracy in the country. The forthcoming national elective convention is critical to the sustenance of democracy in Nigeria, and that explains the enthusiasm and interest that Nigerians across board have in our party,” he said.
He then contrasted the current situation in the country with the PDP’s 16-year tenure, which he described as a “glorious era” of development and hope for Nigerians.
“We had 16 years of unbroken governance by the PDP. Nigerians believe that to be the glorious era in development and hope in this country. Under the PDP rule, our debts were paid. We had double-digit GDP growth. We had inflation contained. We had policies that invested in people in their human capital development,” Ologunagba stated.
He further highlighted the party’s economic record, claiming, “We had an economy that was number one in Africa, and by the time the PDP left government in 2015, we had over a $600 billion economy. Nigeria was then the number one destination for foreign capital investment.”
On the logistics of the convention, Mr. Ologunagba assured that party members were actively engaging with the 15 broad-based sub-committees established for the event to ensure it is both inclusive and successful.
When questioned about speculations that one of the PDP governors was planning to defect to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr. Ologunagba downplayed the potential impact, stating that the PDP was “more than an individual.” However, he acknowledged that such a move “could affect the convention,” without providing further details.
Regarding the internal party crisis in Edo State, the PDP spokesman maintained that the party had conclusively conducted its state congress. He stated that the congress was held on September 27 by a committee that was properly constituted by the party’s national leadership, and that an appeal panel was also established to address any concerns that arose from the process.
He dismissed a rival, purported congress, suggesting that it was merely “a public show to justify the mastermind of those behind the illegality,” reaffirming the national party’s stance on the legitimate leadership in the state.
