Tayo Busayo, Abuja
DAILY COURIER - The Board of Trustees (BoT) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has expressed deep concerns over the internal crisis rocking the party and the worsening economic and security situation in Nigeria under the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led federal government. These concerns were highlighted in a communique issued at the end of the 79th meeting of the PDP BoT held on Wednesday, January 29, 2025, in Abuja.
The communique, presented by the BoT Chairman, Senator Adolphus Wabara, outlined key resolutions aimed at addressing the party’s internal challenges and critiquing the APC administration’s policies, which the BoT described as “ill-conceived and ill-implemented.”
The BoT expressed serious concerns over the unresolved disagreements within the PDP, particularly within the National Working Committee (NWC). The board called on all party organs, leaders, and stakeholders to prioritize the stability, unity, and progress of the party above personal or sectional interests.
“The BoT calls on the members of the NWC, all organs, leaders, and critical stakeholders of our party across the board to rise above personal, group, or sectional interests and place the stability, unity, sustenance, and progress of our party and its ideals above all other considerations,” the communique stated.
To address the ongoing crisis over the position of the National Secretary, which is currently before the courts, the BoT set up a committee led by Barr. Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, SAN. The committee is tasked with interfacing with the parties involved, studying the situation, and reporting back to the board for further action.
The Acting National Chairman of the PDP assured the BoT that the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting scheduled for February 2025 would address all pertinent issues and reaffirm the party’s commitment to unity, discipline, and shared ideals.
The BoT also turned its attention to the national front, expressing grave concerns over the worsening economic and security situation in the country. The board blamed the APC administration for the “social dislocation and total sense of hopelessness” among Nigerians, citing what it described as “anti-people” policies.
The communique highlighted the APC government’s failure to address the rising cost of living, multiple taxes, and increases in the pump price of fuel, electricity tariffs, and telecommunication charges. The BoT argued that these policies have had a crippling effect on the productive sector and have made life unbearable for ordinary Nigerians.
“The BoT decries the insensitivity of the APC administration towards Nigerians as evident in the unjustified multiple taxes and failure to stem the increase in the pump price of fuel, electricity tariffs, and telecommunication charges,” the communique read.
The board insisted that the APC administration lacks the patriotism, competence, and transparent governance required to effectively manage Nigeria’s abundant human and natural resources for the benefit of its citizens. It called on the government to immediately rescind its “anti-people” policies and take urgent steps to stimulate the productive sector, create jobs, and revamp the ailing economy.
The BoT also took a moment to extend its condolences to two of its members. It expressed sympathy with the Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde, over the death of his elder brother, and the Governor of Bauchi State, Senator Bala Mohammed, over the death of his stepmother.
In closing, the BoT reassured party members and Nigerians that the PDP remains a strong, united, and cohesive political party committed to the sustenance of democracy and the well-being of Nigerians.
“The BoT reassures all party members and Nigerians that the PDP remains a strong, united, and cohesive political party committed to the sustenance of democracy and the well-being of Nigerians at all times,” the communique stated.
The resolutions from the BoT meeting underscore the PDP’s determination to address its internal challenges while positioning itself as a viable alternative to the APC-led government. With the NEC meeting scheduled for February 2025, the party is expected to take decisive steps to resolve its internal disputes and strengthen its structures ahead of future elections.
Meanwhile, the BoT’s critique of the APC administration reflects growing public frustration over the economic and security challenges facing the country. As the PDP seeks to capitalize on these issues, the pressure is mounting on the federal government to address the concerns raised by the opposition and the Nigerian populace.
For now, the PDP’s focus remains on unity and stability within its ranks, even as it continues to hold the APC accountable for what it describes as failed policies and poor governance.
