PDP: 2027 Elections to be Referendum on APC Government Failures
ABUJA, Nigeria – The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has declared that the 2027 general elections will unequivocally serve as a referendum on the perceived failures of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC)-led federal government.
The main opposition party launched a strong criticism against the APC, highlighting its handling of pervasive insecurity, economic hardship, and overall governance, vowing to hold the current administration fully accountable for its shortcomings.
Debo Ologunagba, the PDP National Publicity Secretary, conveyed this message during an interactive session with journalists in Abuja on Wednesday. He articulated the PDP’s commitment to positioning itself as a credible alternative necessary to “rescue Nigeria” from what he described as the APC’s “misguided policies and propaganda.”
Ologunagba specifically pointed to the APC government’s inability to effectively address critical national challenges, citing the alarming rise in insecurity and widespread economic hardship. He stated that, according to the party’s records, “over 600 Nigerians have been killed in the last two years,” accusing the government of being indifferent to the plight of citizens while appearing more focused on political gains.
“In two years, over 600 Nigerians have been killed. That’s on record. This government celebrates defection like it’s celebrating successful policy, that’s an indictment,” he was quoted as saying.
The PDP spokesman also scrutinised the APC’s economic strategies, questioning the rationale behind and visibility of the $24.5 billion loan request reportedly intended to cushion the effects of subsidy removal. He argued that the government has failed to deliver tangible positive outcomes, leaving “over 100 million Nigerians to survive on less than $2 a day.”
“The president asked for a $24.5 billion loan to cushion the effect of subsidy removal, two years after. Where is the money? We were told subsidy removal would free up funds, where are the results?” he queried.
On the state of democracy, Ologunagba condemned what he referred to as the alleged preference for a one-party state by the APC, labelling it a dangerous threat to Nigeria’s multi-party democratic system. He reaffirmed the PDP’s commitment to this system and underscored the vital need for a robust opposition and accountability.
“We’ve heard the president openly express a preference for a one-party state, that’s dangerous. Let me say it again: the idea of a one-party state must perish. It will not happen in this country,” he declared forcefully.
The spokesman also directed criticism towards the National Assembly, accusing it of failing in its constitutional duty to act as a check on the executive arm. He alleged the legislature was merely “rubber-stamping the president’s actions” instead of focusing on alleviating the suffering of Nigerians.
“The National Assembly is supposed to interrogate executive actions, but they’re failing. They’ve declared that whatever the president says is okay by them. The Senate President has become a choirmaster, singing praises while the people suffer,” he asserted.
Ologunagba further detailed the PDP’s internal efforts focused on unifying its structures and preparing diligently for the 2027 elections. He revealed that the party’s upcoming National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting on June 30 is planned to continue the trajectory of reconciliation and rebuilding efforts.
“We are on course. Slowly but surely, we are rebuilding this party for 2027. The next NEC is on June 30. That will continue the trajectory of unifying this party,” he stated.
He also highlighted the PDP’s perceived internal unity and structural readiness, noting that the party’s recent NEC meeting demonstrated its resilience and organisational capacity.
“One thing the NEC meeting signposts is the resilience, the capacity, and the orderliness for which the PDP is known. The party has the capacity to activate at appropriate times its organs… in line with its constitution,” he said.
Ologunagba revealed that the party’s key organs, including the Governors’ Forum, the Board of Trustees (BOT), the National Working Committee (NWC), and the National Assembly Caucus, were united in their collective resolve to rebuild the PDP for future contests.
“The Governor’s Forum, the BOT, the National Working Committee, the National Assembly Caucus, everyone was united. We are determined. And we’re doing all of this, not just for this party… it goes to the bigger issue of democracy in Nigeria,” he stated.
He concluded by urging all Nigerians to actively hold the APC government accountable for its performance, reiterating the PDP’s belief that democracy remains the sole viable path to national progress and the pursuit of happiness and opportunity for all citizens.
