By James Adamu
Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) senators on Tuesday backed the position of their state governors on ongoing talks to formally coalition ahead of the 2027 polls.
Speaking at the National Assembly, the PDP Senate Caucus said though the lawmakers were not against coalition talks with other opposition parties, they would want such alignment to be driven by political parties and not individuals.
The caucus also clarified that as the biggest of all the opposition parties, the PDP’s umbrella is big enough to accommodate all persons desirous of coalition.
Senate Minority Leader, Sen. Abba Moro, read the resolution of the PDP Senate Caucus to Senate Correspondents at the end of their meeting.
Recall that the PDP Governors Forum during its April meeting held in Oyo State, said the governors did not support any coalition but would embrace political parties willing to join the PDP.
On Tuesday, the PDP senators reiterated the same position.
The communique reads in full, “Rising from its meeting, the Senate Caucus of the Peoples’ Democratic Party issues the following statement to assure its members that contrary to insinuations that the party is in shreds and on the verge of collapse, the party remains strong and will continue to wax stronger. The PDP Senate Caucus observes that the current conflicts in the PDP are not unique to the party as all the other parties, such as the All Progressives Congress, the Labour Party, the New Nigeria Peoples’ Party, the Social Democratic Party, etc, have their own shares of crisis and conflicts.
“The Senate Caucus of the PDP, therefore, urges all our teaming members to remain resolute in their commitment, dedication, and loyalty to the Party. The Caucus believes that the series of activities lined up by the leadership of the Party will throw up a new lease of life and leadership in the Party that will make it competitive in future elections.
“The Senate Caucus of the PDP states further that the beauty of democracy is in the existence of robust opposition to keep the ruling party in check to ensure good governance. Celebrating the emasculation of other parties and tilting towards a one-party state will not advance the cause of democracy.
“The Senate Caucus of the PDP states that it is not averse to the idea and ideals of coalition. The Caucus observes that the synthesis of ideas and creating a harmony of ideals will further the beauty of democracy. However, the Caucus advises that any such coalition should be driven by political parties and not individuals. And as the biggest of all the opposition parties, the PDP’s Umbrella is big enough to accommodate all persons desirous of Coalition. The People’s Democratic Party, therefore, should drive the Coalition if and when it becomes necessary.
“Finally, the Senate Caucus of the PDP states emphatically that the party is a big brand that is competitive. In all nooks and crannies of Nigeria, there are PDP members. The Caucus asserts that out of the throes of the current conflicts in the Party will arise a renewed, vibrant party that will give Nigeria an alternative to the current ruling party.
“The Caucus, therefore, urges all members of the party to rededicate, recommit and demonstrate steadfast and unwavering loyalty to the party to provide a safeguard for democracy in Nigeria.”
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