PDP to overcome internal leadership challenges for effective opposition of APC
By Tada Jutha, Maiduguri
The former Minister of Police Affairs, Alhaji Adamu Waziri, has said that the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has to overcome the “internal leadership challenges” for an effective opposition to the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC).
According to him, PDP is still grappling with significant internal challenges and other leadership issues in the party to become relevant to the people.
Waziri unveiled the party’s internal wranglings on Friday, at his Potiskum residence, Yobe State, while addressing party supporters on his involvement in the ongoing strategic political discussions for the forthcoming 2027 general elections.
“The PDP has a lot of political trials and tribulations,” he lamented,” emphasising that the opposition party needs to be repositioned to play effective roles of opposition at the federal and national levels of democracy and governance.
He said that this will enable the party to overcome the numerous problems facing the country at the 2027 general elections.
Despite acknowledging PDP’s political shortcomings, he said, “The party members have woefully failed in providing the platform for an effective opposition to the ruling party, APC,” adding that the numerous political and economic problems will be addressed after the 2027 polls.
The former minister also denied the rumours of defection to the APC, stating , “I’m before you today at my residence to dispel the rumour of my defection to the ruling party, APC.”
He also confirmed to the people that his active participation in the coalition and merger talks from various political parties was to strategise for the 2027 general elections.
Waziri continued, “During our major talks, there were elements of PDP, including members of APC.”
“Other parties at the talks included the Labour Party (LP) and other opposition parties that wanted to merge in building a strong political platform for the 2027 elections.
He added that the opposition parties will present their candidates so that the alleged misrule of the APC in the country is addressed during the May 2027 polls.
Waziri further clarified, “I’m not in the talks for party coalition or a merger representing PDP. No, let that be clear to all of you here today,” adding that he was at the talks as a Democrat, who has an inalienable right to associate by expressing his views with other people in the country.
He emphasised his commitment to transparency and accountability to the people, stating, “I’m confident that I have got the support of PDP in Yobe State and non-card-carrying members.
“I owe you a responsibility to come and tell you what the political engagements are that I am involved in at the national level. Speaking on the PDP’s leadership challenges.
“Our party is guided by the provisions of its constitution, which says, should anything happen to the PDP national chairman, you have his deputy to take over that position and act in an interim capacity.
He stated that the original chairman will present his replacement before an election of the new PDP national chairman.
