By Lateef Ibrahim/Jude Opara, Abuja
The National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Alhaji Abdulrahman Mohammed has said, categorically, that the party is not engaged in any merger or coalition discussions with the African Democratic Congress or any other political party in the country.
The PDP, Mohammed maintained, remains a strong, independent political platform with a clear vision and a credible pathway to reclaiming its leadership role at the national level.
The National Chairman, who was elected at a recent national convention of the party in Abuja, spoke at the National Working Committee (NEC) meeting of the party held on Tuesday at its headquarters, Wadata House, in the nation’s capital.
Mohammed strongly condemned what he called the misleading and unfounded statements attributed to Dr Taminu Turaki, the Chairman of another faction of the PDP “which
attempt to create a false narrative of non-existent coalition talks”. According to him such assertions are not only inaccurate but represent a deliberate effort to misinform the public and undermine the integrity of the party.
The PDP, Mohammed vowed, will take all necessary legal steps to address any conduct that borders on contempt of court or misrepresentation, in accordance with extant laws.
His words, “Today, we can confidently affirm that the Peoples Democratic Party has emerged stronger, more united, and better positioned to play its historic role in Nigeria’s democratic journey.
“The successful navigation of these challenges is a testament to the maturity of our internal mechanisms and the enduring strength of our democratic culture.
“We take particular pride in celebrating what has been widely acknowledged as one of the most organized and credible National Conventions ever conducted by an opposition party in our nation’s history.
“That convention was not just a procedural exercise; it was a powerful reaffirmation of our party’s commitment to order, transparency, and constitutionalism.
“It has since produced a crop of National Officers who are not only competent but deeply committed to managing the affairs of our party with excellence, discipline, and a renewed sense of purpose for the greater good of our people and our country.
“It is also significant to note that the question of leadership. which was once subject to contention, has now been conclusively settled. “The Independent National Electoral Commission, Independent National Electoral Commission, has duly recognized and uploaded the names of our National Officers on its official portal.
“This development provides institutional clarity and further reinforces the legitimacy of the current leadership. The era of uncertainty is behind us, and the PDP is once again firmly anchored on a foundation of legality and order.
“In light of recent speculations, we wish to state unequivocally that the Peoples Democratic Party is not engaged in any merger or coalition discussions with the African Democratic Congress or with any other political party in Nigeria.
“The PDP remains a strong, independent political platform with a clear vision and a credible pathway to reclaiming its leadership role at the national level.
“We therefore strongly condemn the misleading and unfounded statements attributed to Taminu Turaki, which attempt to create a false narrative of non-existent coalition talks.
“Such assertions are not only inaccurate but represent a deliberate effort to misinform the public and undermine the integrity of our party.
“While we respect the fundamental right to freedom of expression, we will not tolerate actions that amount to a disregard for the rule of law or that seek to bring the party into disrepute.
“The PDP will take all necessary legal steps to address any conduct that borders on contempt of court or misrepresentation, in accordance with extant laws”, he said.
Mohammed commended the nation’s security agencies for their professionalism and timely intervention during the most difficult moments of the party’s recent history, saying, “Their role in safeguarding our properties, including the unsealing and restoration of access to our National Secretariat at Wadata Plaza and Legacy House, is deeply appreciated”.
Continuing, he said, “these actions (of security men) have ensured that the legitimate leadership of the party can operate without hindrance and continue to serve the interests of our members across the federation”.
