1 hour ago
1
The Caretaker Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Delta State has said Nigeria cannot afford to degenerate into a one-party state.
Prof. Sylvester Monye, state chairman of the PDP Caretaker Committee in Delta State, stated this in a heartfelt New Year message to the people of the state at home and in the diaspora, stressing that a strong and functional opposition is indispensable to Nigeria’s democracy.
According to him, he is confident that adherence to democratic principles will safeguard the integrity and independence of all political parties, including the PDP.
While extending greetings to party leaders and faithful members across the state who, he said, heroically stood firm and made untold sacrifices to keep the party thriving, Monye noted that the beginning of a new year is always an appropriate moment for reflection and renewed commitment to service, guided by the principles of peace, equity and collective responsibility.
He said it was therefore crucial for all political actors to adhere strictly to due process, internal democracy and the highest standards of political conduct, warning that decisions taken now would have far-reaching consequences for Nigeria’s democratic system.
According to him, with certain matters involving the PDP currently before the courts, the party wishes 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.
Monye said that despite differences in political affiliation, Deltans are united by a shared duty to uphold the stability, unity and orderly development of the state.
Their mandate, he said, is to ensure that the PDP remains cohesive, responsive and ready to play its constitutional role in Delta State, a traditional PDP stronghold.
He urged all leaders and members of the PDP in the state to conduct themselves with discipline, restraint and respect for party rules and democratic norms, noting that the credibility of the party’s internal processes would ultimately determine its standing before the electorate.
“To the good people of Delta State, we reaffirm our unwavering commitment to protecting your 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.
“The year 2026 is particularly significant, as it precedes the 2027 general elections and will see the conduct of party primaries.
“In Anyanwu v. PDP and the recent SDP v. INEC 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.
“We, members, of the great PDP in Delta State, we remain committed to constitutionalism, constructive engagement, and principled leadership. We are equally dedicated to reorganizing 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,” Monye said.
