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The Senate Minority Leader, Abba Moro, has dismissed suggestions that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is on the verge of collapse, stating that the party remains active and resilient.
Speaking on Saturday in Jos during the PDP North Central Zonal Elective Congress, Senator Moro expressed confidence that Nigeria would not become a one-party state.
Addressing journalists and party delegates at the Congress held in Plateau State, Moro stressed the significance of the ongoing internal party reorganisation, noting that the emergence of new leaders at various levels would reinvigorate the party.
“It has been a very successful event. You can see the enthusiasm; delegates from across the Zone, including the FCT, are excited and happy that the exercises are taking place today,” he said.
“As you well know, this is one in a series of activities the PDP has lined up in response to the seeming crisis within the party.”
According to the Senate Minority Leader, the leadership challenges confronting the party are being addressed through a structured electoral process.
“These activities are all leading up to the National Convention for the election of a brand new party leadership. Let’s not forget that the apparent crisis in the party stems from a leadership struggle,” he said.
“But with new leaders being elected from the Ward to the Local Government, then to the State and now the Zonal levels, and eventually at the National Convention, this process will breathe new life into the PDP.”
Moro argued that the high turnout of delegates and the involvement of prominent party figures proved the PDP’s viability.
He confidently dismissed claims of the party’s collapse, citing the widespread representation from the North Central zone and the presence of key leaders.
He added that while defections might temporarily affect the party, they would not define its future.
He said, “I have no fear of Nigeria becoming a one-party state. Not at all. I don’t believe that’s a likely outcome. Yes, defections have a ripple effect, and the initial shock can be significant. But after that, PDP members will regroup, recommit, and rededicate themselves to the cause. I am confident that the PDP is coming back stronger.”
Governor of Plateau State, Caleb Mutfwang, who also addressed the gathering, underscored the party’s commitment to internal democracy and the Constitution.
“Democracy is the foundation of our governance, and that is why we continue to uphold our Constitution by ensuring that elections are held periodically, as enshrined in that sacred document,” he said.
Governor Mutfwang acknowledged the contributions of the outgoing zonal leadership and urged the new executives to sustain the party’s principles. “Let me sincerely thank the National Vice Chairman and his team. They have led us creditably over the last eight years. Now, the time has come to elect a new set of executives. I’m confident that all the States’ Chapters have done a beautiful job, and your choices have been duly ratified to represent us at the zonal level.”
He lauded those who voluntarily stepped down from the contest for the benefit of consensus candidacies, nooting that the victory of the chosen candidates symbolised the confidence their constituents held in them.
To those who were persuaded and agreed to withdraw, Mutfwang conveyed his deepest thanks, acknowledging their display of unwavering loyalty and political maturity.
He stressed that they had exemplified the principle that the party’s interest and continued existence outweigh any personal ambition, guaranteeing that the party would forever cherish their significant contribution.
Mutfwang called for peaceful conduct during the exercise and reiterated the importance of collective responsibility in preserving the party.
“As we begin the voting process, I urge us all to ensure that it is peaceful and rancour-free. To anyone who may be called upon to make sacrifices for the Party’s future, I want you to know that it is not a burden; it is an honour,” he stated.
“The PDP belongs to the people. The people love the PDP, and we must do everything in our power to ensure that power truly belongs to them. I believe the PDP in the North Central will continue to thrive, grow stronger, and remain steadfast. Democracy has come to stay in Nigeria, and I am certain that the people of the North Central zone will continue to play a pivotal role in its evolution.”
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