The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has firmly distanced itself from any discussions regarding a coalition or merger with other opposition parties.
Hon. Debo Ologunagba, the National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, conveyed this stance during a telephone interview with journalists on Thursday.
Ologunagba emphasized that the PDP stands as the most organized and democratic political party in Nigeria to date. He asserted that the party would not engage in talks related to forming a coalition or merger with other opposition political entities.
In response to the declaration, Dr. Suleiman Afeez Tosin, a social analyst and public policy expert, offered insights into the decision made by the PDP. He highlighted the historical context of the current ruling party’s formation, emphasizing its amalgamation from various regional entities such as the old ACN dominating the southwest and the CPC in the north, ultimately culminating in the creation of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Dr. Suleiman noted that the timing of Alhaji Atiku’s statement—ruling out coalition talks—might signal a strategic move given the composition of the ruling party, formed after internal disagreements between these factions.
However, he expressed reservations about the delayed declaration, suggesting that Atiku’s call should have ideally preceded the last election. Notably, he pointed out that the third and fourth candidates from the election were still affiliated with the PDP, rendering the timing of the statement as indicative of a perceived alternative strategy for the upcoming 2027 elections.
“Making the call out now makes it feel like that is the only alternative to win the next election in 2027,” Dr. Suleiman remarked, underlining the implication that the PDP might be considering a solo path for electoral success.
Moreover, Dr. Suleiman emphasized the inevitability of disagreements within political parties, citing ideological differences as a driving force behind such conflicts. He stressed the importance of acknowledging and respecting varying ideologies within parties, asserting that a lack of dissent often indicates a pursuit of power over genuine public service.
Offering a solution-oriented perspective, Dr. Suleiman advocated for the implementation of party supremacy, advocating that the decision-making power should reside primarily within the party rather than its individual members. This, he argued, would promote cohesiveness and strengthen the party’s capacity to navigate ideological differences while serving the interests of the populace.
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