In a swift response to trending sensational and misleading media reports, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has unequivocally stated that its Primary Election Guidelines remain fully authentic and unaltered by forgery. The party, through a press release issued by the National Publicity Secretary Hon. Debo Ologunagba, condemned the false allegations as an orchestrated attempt by disgruntled individuals reportedly aligned with the All Progressives Congress (APC) to undermine the PDP’s internal processes and discredit its democratic practices.
The controversy erupted after several media outlets began circulating reports that the PDP’s guidelines for conducting primary elections had been compromised through forgery. According to the PDP’s official statement, these allegations are baseless and politically motivated. “Our Party is shocked by the level of desperation displayed by these individuals,” the statement read, adding that the false claims are intended to create scandal, sow discord within the party, and bring the PDP to public ridicule.
The press release further alleged that these reports are not random but are being disseminated by agents of the APC—namely, certain high-ranking officials, including former National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu, ex-Abia State Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, and others loyal to Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. These factions, the PDP claimed, are seeking to destabilize the party by exploiting its internal election process, a tactic they believe will weaken the PDP and clear the way for a single-party rule under the APC.
“Our Party remains strong, undeterred, and will continue to firmly resist any onslaught or machination by anti-people forces who are seeking to destabilize us, emasculate opposition, undermine the nation’s democracy, and instill an oppressive one-party regime against the will of the people,” declared Hon. Debo Ologunagba. He reiterated that the Primary Election Guidelines, as approved by the PDP, have not been compromised in any way and that the allegations should be entirely disregarded by members and supporters alike.
The PDP’s response comes at a time when Nigeria’s political climate is particularly volatile, with intense factional battles and fierce competition between the ruling APC and the opposition PDP. Experts note that internal party processes, such as the formulation and implementation of Primary Election Guidelines, are critical for maintaining transparency, fairness, and credibility during candidate nominations. The PDP has long prided itself on a robust internal democracy that ensures every candidate is vetted and elected in line with the party’s constitution. The current allegations, if left unchallenged, could potentially undermine that credibility.
Judicial pronouncements have consistently maintained that internal party matters, especially those related to the nomination of candidates, fall exclusively within the purview of political parties. The Supreme Court and other higher judicial bodies have made it clear that courts have no jurisdiction over the internal affairs of political parties. “It is scandalous that, despite clear court pronouncements, some are attempting to drag the police and magistrate courts in Abuja into resolving issues that are strictly internal to the party,” the PDP statement noted. Such actions, the party warned, not only flout judicial authority but also disrupt the democratic process by politicizing internal procedures.
This is not the first time the PDP has faced allegations aimed at discrediting its internal operations. In recent years, political rivalries have often spilled over into public discourse, with opposing parties using sensational headlines and unfounded claims to sway public opinion. The current controversy, however, has struck a particularly sour note among PDP members, who view it as an extension of a broader strategy by the APC to weaken opposition through misinformation and internal sabotage.
Political analysts believe that the APC’s alleged involvement in spreading these false narratives is part of a concerted effort to consolidate power ahead of forthcoming elections. By discrediting the PDP’s internal election processes, the APC aims to create an image of instability and dysfunction within the opposition party, thereby enhancing its own standing with voters. “What we’re witnessing is a classic case of political sabotage,” observed one political strategist. “If the PDP allows these allegations to gain traction, it could have far-reaching implications on its ability to field credible candidates and maintain unity among its ranks.”
In response to the mounting pressure and potential fallout, the PDP is urging its supporters to remain vigilant and to rely solely on official communications for accurate information. The party has called on media houses and independent observers to verify facts before disseminating reports that could inflame partisan tensions further. “We urge everyone to reject these misleading narratives and focus on the real issues affecting our nation,” Hon. Ologunagba stated.
The unfolding controversy over the alleged forgery of the Primary Election Guidelines serves as a stark reminder of the intense political battles that characterize Nigeria’s democratic landscape. As both the APC and PDP jockey for position, the integrity of internal party processes becomes a battleground for wider national power struggles. For now, the PDP stands resolute, reaffirming its commitment to transparency, fairness, and the rule of law within its own ranks.
In conclusion, the PDP’s clarion call to disregard the false claims of forgery is more than just a defensive measure—it is a robust assertion of the party’s principles and a reaffirmation of its democratic processes. As the political drama unfolds, all eyes will be on how both the PDP and the APC navigate these murky waters and what impact, if any, this controversy will have on Nigeria’s broader democratic trajectory. Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story as the battle for political credibility and power continues to intensify in Nigeria.
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