The Delta State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has reiterated that a strong and functional opposition is indispensable for Nigeria’s democracy.
In a new year message on Thursday, the state chairman of the caretaker committee, Prof. Sylvester Monye said that Nigeria ‘cannot afford to degenerate into a one-party state. We are confident that adherence to (the democratic) principles will safeguard the integrity and independence of all political parties, including ours’.
In a veil reference to the defection of the state structure of the party, led by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, to the All Progressives Congress in April 2025, Monye extended heartfelt new year greetings ‘to our party leaders, the faithful members across the state who heroically stood firm and made untold sacrifices to keep the PDP thriving, and all the good people of Delta State at home and in the diaspora’.
He reflected on the myriad of litigations and factionalisation that the party in 2025, and said: ‘With certain matters involving the PDP currently before the courts, we wish to underscore the Supreme Court’s consistent position that the internal affairs of a political party are primarily to be managed by the party itself, without undue judicial interference. In Anyanwu v. PDP and the recent SDP v. INEC (Independent National Electoral Commission) decision, the Court affirmed that courts should exercise restraint and respect the autonomy of political parties. In line with the the legal principle of “stare decisis”, we trust that the judiciary will continue to uphold these established precedents, thereby safeguarding party independence, legal certainty, and the stability of democratic processes, while respecting ongoing proceedings’.
As Nigeria headed towards the general elections next year, the PDP state helmsman said: ‘The year 2026 is particularly significant, as it precedes the 2027 general elections and will see the conduct of party primaries. It is therefore crucial that all political actors adhere strictly to due process, internal democracy, and the highest standards of political conduct, as the decisions taken now will have far-reaching consequences for our democratic system’.
He said that the party members ‘remain committed to constitutionalism, constructive engagement, and principled leadership. We are equally dedicated to reorganising and strengthening the party, particularly in the wake of recent defections, and to prepare for the orderly conduct of congresses that will usher in substantive executive officers. Our mandate is to ensure that the PDP remains cohesive, responsive, and ready to play its constitutional role in Delta State, a traditional PDP state’ .
Monye urged members of the party in the state ‘to conduct themselves with discipline, restraint, and respect for party rules and democratic norms. The credibility of our internal processes will ultimately determine our standing before the electorate’.
He reaffirmed the party’s ‘unwavering commitment’ to protecting the citizens’ interests and aspirations. ‘In the days ahead, the caretaker committee will continue broad-based consultations and engagement with stakeholders across the state, ensuring that political discourse remains focused on good governance, development, and the rule of law’.
