AYO ESAN
THE All Progressives Congress said, on Tuesday, that it had initially dismissed what it described as an incomprehensible statement credited to a spokesperson for the Peoples Democratic Party as fake until further checks confirmed its authenticity.
Making reference to an earlier statement by the National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Kola Ologbondiyan, which called on INEC to deregister the ruling party, following the dissolution of its structures, nationwide, the APC said it was now clear that the PDP’s disillusionment had degenerated into “senility.”
Deputy National Publicity Secretary, APC, Yekini Nabena, in a statement he released a few hours after the PDP statement, said, “PDP in its latest beer parlour rant, has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission to deregister APC and declare vacant the seats of all APC lawmakers. If the PDP assumes this as its standard of opposition politics, then our democracy is in danger.
“It is now clear that the PDP’s disillusionment following their rejection by Nigerians in the 2011 and 2019 general elections has degenerated into senility.”
He added “It is common knowledge that the PDP leadership is currently facing a serious crisis of confidence as a result of its rudderless leadership. However, it will seem that the PDP crisis has been grossly underplayed. How does one explain the public rebuke by the former Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki to the PDP National Chairman, Uche Secondus, to stay clear of the party’s reconciliation efforts?
“With the PDP as the supposed ‘main opposition’ lacking the capacity to provide rigorous and intelligent interrogation of the policies and programmes of the President Muhammadu Buhari-led APC administration, we reiterate our frustration that the PDP is pushing Nigeria into a one-party state which the APC does not subscribe to.
“In place of the failed PDP, we repeat our call to other opposition parties to seize the opportunity and play the true role of opposition which our democracy and governance needs to flourish.
“Finally, it is commendable that the PDP has taken a keen interest in the APC’s internal party processes, particularly the virtual APC National Executive Committee meeting held on Tuesday.
“However, it is our sincere hope that the PDP learns a thing or two on proper party management, progressive politics and internal democracy. The PDP can start by paying its staff salaries.”
