…Declares readiness to reclaim power

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has dismissed recent comments by the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, describing the opposition party as “dead,” insisting instead that it remains vibrant, expanding its national footprint and positioning itself to reclaim power in future elections.
The party said contrary to the Senate President’s assertion, the PDP has continued to attract prominent political figures, record electoral victories and rebuild its internal structures across the country.
In a statement issued yesterday in Abuja by its National Publicity Secretary, Jungudo Haruna Mohammed, the party maintained that its 27-year history of surviving political turbulence demonstrates its resilience and enduring relevance in Nigeria’s democratic landscape.
“The PDP is alive. The PDP is strong. The PDP is rebuilding,” the party declared, adding that political parties derive their legitimacy from the confidence and support of the people rather than the opinions of their political opponents.
According to the party, recent political developments underscore its growing momentum. It cited the decision of Iyabo Obasanjo to identify with the PDP, the reported entry of Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami into the party, its victory in the Adamawa State local government elections, success in the Rivers State Senate bye-election, and what it described as a steady influx of political leaders from Katsina, Jigawa, Imo, Oyo and other states.

The PDP said these developments directly contradict Akpabio’s remarks made during the commissioning of a road project in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), where he reportedly declared the party “dead” and urged the FCT Minister to “allow what is dead to remain dead.”
While expressing respect for the Senate President and his office, the party argued that the statement reflected “political wishful thinking” rather than the prevailing reality.

The opposition party also pointed to what it described as an irony in Akpabio‘s comments, noting that the infrastructure project at whose inauguration the remarks were made was supervised by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, whom it described as a distinguished member of the PDP currently serving in the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
According to the party, Wike’s performance in office reflects the competence and leadership for which the PDP has long been known.

“It is contradictory to commission the achievements of a PDP man in the morning and declare the PDP politically irrelevant in the afternoon,” the statement said.
The party further argued that the ruling party’s criticisms stem from growing concern over the PDP’s renewed internal consolidation and increasing public acceptance.
It expressed confidence that Nigerians would, in due course, entrust it once again with the responsibility of governing the country, promising what it described as purposeful, inclusive and people-centred leadership.

The PDP also commended Wike for delivering critical infrastructure and public services in the FCT, saying his performance reinforces the party’s enduring culture of competence and effective governance.
Reaffirming its confidence, the party declared that it remains “alive, healthy and a beautiful bride on hot demand,” expressing optimism that it is well positioned to win future elections and provide leadership for Nigeria.