Stay loyal or face consequences, PDP tells members eyeing coalition

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has issued a stern warning to its members considering joining the newly formed coalition, saying their activities are being closely monitored and disciplinary measures will be taken when necessary.

Speaking to journalists after the National Working Committee (NWC) meeting held at the party’s headquarters on Wednesday, the acting National Chairman, Ambassador Umar Damagum, reminded members that the PDP remains their true political home.

He emphasised that no other party could offer them the same level of acceptance and support that the PDP has consistently provided, cautioning that any alliances with other parties would be short-lived as many would eventually return to the PDP.

Damagum, flanked by other members of the NWC, said, “Our leaders have already come together to give us this leadership. This is what you can see in this NWC. And I keep reiterating this is the only party in the country that has lasted this long. We have mastered the act of conflict resolution. We know our problems and we solve them within ourselves.

“To those that are contemplating, they should know that there is no place and there’s nowhere that will be as accommodating as our party. But if they feel otherwise, I will wish them good luck. But I know they will come running back.

“I want to re-emphasize that if you are a member of the People’s Democratic Party, we are drawing a line for those that go to demarket the party. We will watch them and take appropriate actions at the right time.

“If you believe in this party, you should be an ambassador that protects the fortunes that this party has given to the citizens of this country when it was there.”

Damagum, who said the party was now united more than ever before, added, “We remain united despite all the challenges. We have sat down to discuss all thorny issues and trash them out today.

We’ve agreed that as proposed by the last NEC, the NEC meeting scheduled for 23rd, 24th, and 25th will still hold. To our members, I want to bring good tidings, that your party is intact.”

The acting Chairman also berated the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), accusing it of buying its members.

He said, “To APC, I want to send a message, that you can continue to harass and buy our members. But the 2027 election is between Nigerians and APC.

So, it is better to start now and correct your ways. Hunger, insecurity, and arbitrary extortion of Nigerians are more than overwhelming.

“So, we are in a democratic setting. We should hear the yearnings of people. Like I said earlier, we are not conquered. We are law-abiding citizens. We deserve to be heard. For democracy to thrive people must say their minds. People should be listened to and policies should be people-oriented. It’s not for the few.”