PDP Unveils Strategy Ahead of 10th National Assembly Leadership Race

How the PDP plans to use its majority in the National Assembly to influence the selection of the Presiding Officers

Ilesanmi AdekanbiJune 8, 2023

2 minutes read

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), one of the three major contemporary political parties in Nigeria, has disclosed its plan and agenda regarding the selection of the principal officers in the 10th National Assembly, which will be inaugurated on June 13, 2023.

The PDP, which supports economic deregulation, human rights, and greater funding for health care and education, said it is working with other opposition parties in the National Assembly to present a formidable front in the contest for the positions of the Senate President, Deputy Senate President, Speaker, and Deputy Speaker of the 10th National Assembly.

The PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, made this known while addressing a press conference at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja on Thursday.

Ologunagba did not confirm if the PDP would be fielding candidates for the positions, stating that the party would prefer to keep its card to its chest until Tuesday when the new National Assembly has been inaugurated.

He also took a swipe at the All Progressives Congress (APC), which has preferred candidates for the NASS leadership, saying it is important for the lawmakers to be allowed to choose their leaders, arguing that the parliament, being the symbol of democracy, must be protected from anti-democratic forces.

“With regard to the current race for the Presiding Officers of the National Assembly, it is instructive to note that the opposition parties put together form a strong majority in the National Assembly and we are very mindful of that.

“The PDP leadership is working together with our members-elect and opposition parties in the two chambers.

“Irrespective of the ongoing and claims in the media, I want to inform you that the PDP has a clear direction which we hold close to our chest. Our members are united in that direction and it will show on the floor of both Houses of the National Assembly on Tuesday, June 13, 2023.

“In all, we do not discountenance the fact that the opposition parties have the majority in the National Assembly which we are ready to deploy maximally,” he said.

The PDP chieftain further accused the APC and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of plotting to frustrate the various Election Petition Tribunals across the country.

“INEC is seeking to frustrate the court and derail the cause of justice,” Ologunagba said.

He also condemned the reported attacks on PDP members at Election Petition Tribunal premises in Ogun, Nasarawa, and Kaduna States, saying it “is a ploy by the APC to instill fear in the judiciary so as to derail the cause of justice.”

In view of the alleged attacks, the PDP demanded the immediate transfer of the Ogun and Nasarawa States’ Election Tribunals to Abuja for the purpose of safety and justice.