2026: PDP tasks security agencies, INEC, judiciary to rise above pressure, fear

• Charges FG to protect citizens lives, property

By Lateef Ibrahim, Abuja

The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has tasked the judiciary, the electoral umpire, security agencies, and all democratic institutions in the country to rise above pressure, inducement and fear.

The party has similarly challenged the Federal Government to, without excuses or delay, recommit itself to its foremost constitutional duty, which is the protection of lives and property.

The PDP said these on Thursday, in its new year in message to Nigerians, through a press statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Ini Ememobong in Abuja.

The opposition party noted with sadness that for millions of Nigerians, insecurity, economic hardship, and uncertainty have become their contemporary lived experience.

This new year, it said, must not be another chapter of broken promises, but a turning point marked by decisive and people-centred governance.

The PDP insisted that the interests of Nigerians, not partisan considerations or political survival, must guide every action of government.

It stressed that those entrusted with power are not rulers, but servants of the people, whose mandate must be exercised with humility, accountability, and respect for the rule of law.

The PDP statement reads, “As Nigerians step into the year 2026, we extend our greetings and best wishes to our fellow citizens, even as the nation continues to grapple with deep-seated challenges that threaten livelihoods, security, and democratic stability.

“The Federal Government must, without excuses or delay, recommit itself to its foremost constitutional duty, which is the protection of lives and property.

“For millions of Nigerians, insecurity, economic hardship, and uncertainty have become their contemporary lived experience.

“This new year must not be another chapter of broken promises, but a turning point marked by decisive and people-centred governance.

“We insist that the interests of Nigerians, not partisan considerations or political survival, must guide every action of government.

‘Those entrusted with power are not rulers, but servants of the people, whose mandate must be exercised with humility, accountability, and respect for the rule of law.

“We call on the judiciary, the electoral umpire, security agencies, and all democratic institutions to rise above pressure, inducement, and fear.

“These institutions must not abdicate, compromise or commodify their sacred responsibilities, for democracy cannot survive where arbitrariness replaces justice and impunity thrives unchecked.

“As an opposition, we reaffirm our unwavering solidarity with Nigerians in the continuing struggle for an egalitarian society, one where opportunities and public resources are distributed fairly, not along party lines or based on proximity to power at the centre.

“We will continue to speak truth to power, hold the government to account, and stand with the people until governance truly reflects their will, welfare, and aspirations”, it assured.