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Leader of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) caucus in the Senate, Abba Moro and his counterpart in the House of Representatives, Kingsley Chinda have ruled out any affiliation with the coalition platform- the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

“I’m not joining any coalition, I’ve not joined any coalition., I do not intend to join any coalition; I think politics of gang up is not a solution to our problems”, Moro stated.

In a video circulated on Facebook, Senator Moro, a long-time loyalist of Senator David Mark, whom he succeeded as representative of Benue South Senatorial district asserted that having been a founding member of the PDP since 1998, he reserves the right to chart an independent political course.

Speaking with The Nation on telephone, Also, Chinda expressed his agreement with the views of  Moro. He said  that he remained  committed to the PDP because there are several reasons why the ‘coalition’ agenda in another political party will soon prove to be unworkable.

Said: Chinda: “I agree with him (Senator Moro) completely; I won’t join or ask anyone to join their coalition.

“Besides, it won’t work: I have seen details of the litigations coming up among them and their agenda just can’t work.

“If they would be inclined to pause and listen, I would advise that they also need to tread carefully; this thing won’t work out the way they are assuming,” Chinda stated.

The statements from Senator Moro and  Chinda coincided with a declaration by the Imo State chapter of the PDP that they will firmly remain as part of PDP and reject being part of any coalition talks.

Senator  Moro, who stated that he was first elected into office on the PDP platform in 1999 explained his stand :“I became a member of the People’s Democratic Party in 1998, in its formative years so,I think I am qualified to see myself as a founding member of the PDP, as one of the first sets of those elected on the platform of that party.

“Precisely on December 8, 1998, local government elections were conducted across the country and I contested, won and on May 29, 1999, I became the executive chairman of Okpokwu Local Government in Benue State.

At various other times, I was council chairman, either as a caretaker chairman or as an elected chairman and I was the ALGON chairman of Benue State.

“I have come a long way with the PDP, I have never defected, never joined any other party and as I’m talking to you now, I’m a bonafide member of PDP.

“I’m not joining any coalition, I’ve not joined any coalition, I don’t intend to join any coalition and quite frankly, I think that we should approach Nigeria with a serious mind of electing people who are prepared to govern this country for the people of Nigeria.

“I think it is inappropriate to begin to take decisions based on grievances, based on failed expectations, arising from frustrations of rising expectations and so, today, I want to encourage all of us to utilize existing platforms to run elections.

“I know that there are some limitations, there are some concerns about some of the policies of the present administration, I know that people are hurting, I know that people think that enough has not been done.

“But I think politics of gang up is not a solution to our problems; and so I think that if we are heading in the wrong direction, we should be able to retrace our steps and head in the right direction,” Moro stated in the video address to his supporters.

In a statement sent by the Imo state PDP Publicity Secretary, Mr. Obiaku Lancelot Ifeanyi to The Nation in Abuja, the  PDP Chairman,  Austine Nwachukwu, the party warned members and the  public to disregard the false narratives being peddled by disgruntled former PDP members who are hoping to destabilize the party, stressing that they will not be part of such agenda.

“These baseless claims are the handiwork of failed politicians driven by selfish interests and personal gain; there is no coalition whatsoever, PDP remains committed to its values and principles, and will resist any attempt to undermine its integrity,” he stated.

The Imo State PDP  alleged that intelligence reports on-going attempts by some individuals to divide the party and weaken its strength, especially in Imo State with the unrealistic hope of gaining support for their coalition agenda.

Emphasizing that  the PDP will not succumb to any agenda that is in pursuit of a power shift to the North in 2027, they asserted that such agenda which is being secretly championed by some leaders of the ‘coalition’ clearly represents a betrayal of the PDP’s long-standing tradition of power rotation.

Reiterating that the PDP is open to welcoming new members, the statement emphasized that it would not be part of any political arrangement that compromises the party’s core principles.

Party members across Imo State were urged to remain vigilant, ignore the “false narratives,” and stay committed to ensuring the PDP’s victory in the 2027 elections.

“Together, we will ensure that PDP remains the dominant force in Imo State and Nigeria,” the statement added.

‘ADC party for all Nigerians, not discriminatory ‘

The Acting National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Senator David Mark, says that the party is for all Nigerians and would not discriminate against anyone.

Mark, who stated this yesterday in Makurdi at the unveiling of the coalition, said that all members of the party would have equal opportunities.

The national chairman, who was represented by Sen. Gabriel Suswam, former governor of Benue, emphasised that the party belongs to all the people, adding that it was not owned by anyone.

“”There will be no discrimination or shortchanging of anyone. Everyone will be treated equally, regardless of who you are.

“The party is for the people, not for one person. We want the people to take ownership of the party, which is why we encourage you to consult and nominate potential leaders.

“None of us will get involved directly in this process, and all sections of the society will be represented. There will be a state leader for the disabled, women and all other groups.

“So, let no one feel agitated about the potential leadership here. I have sent a message to let you know that I stand with all of you in Benue who are interested,” he said.

Mark announced a seven-man pro tem leadership, which he said was constituted after wide consultation.

The national chairman said that the former Rep. Terngu Tsegba’s leadership would supervise the registration of new members and would exit office after 30 days beginning from July 9.

He listed the members of the pro tem leadership to include Mr Terngu Tsegba – Chairman, Mr Samson Okwu – Security, Mr Stephen Ayua – Publicity Secretary, Mrs Elizabeth Alagh – Member, Prof. Cletus Tyokyaa – Member, Mr Abeji Egwa – Member and Mr Atoo Agber – Member.

In his remarks,  Tsegba assured  members that they would be honest in all their dealings with them.

Tsegba said that they would strive to observe the rules and regulations of the party and that they would nurture the party to election victory.

“The ADC will rule this state with the fear of God; we will adhere to the constitution. We will provide good governance and ensure your security.

“We will work to ensure that all our internally displaced people return to their ancestral homes. We will grant local government autonomy, not just on paper.

“Our ADC government will ensure that all local governments receive their subventions directly into their accounts.”

“On day one of the ADC government, the Bureau of Local Government will be scrapped. I want to assure you that this is a new era.

“For all our youth, especially those of you without jobs, ADC is your solution. Our government will not be sectional. We will ensure equitable distribution of offices throughout the state.

“ADC will treat everyone as a stakeholder in this state—whether you are rich or poor, young or old, from any tribe, we will treat everyone equally,” he said.

Speaking for the people of the Benue South Senatorial District, Chief David Olofu announced that the entire zone has embraced the new party and is battle ready for the 2027 election.

Ondo PDP leaders  deny joining coalition

Opposition leaders in the Ondo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)  have refuted the claims of their involvement in the coalition with the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

This came after reports that the opposition figures  have joined their counterparts, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi, at the national level to settle  for the ADC as a platform to contest against President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general election.

A former House of Representatives member, Bode Ayorinde,  yesterday announced at a stakeholders meeting in Akure that the opposition leaders led by two erstwhile PDP governorship candidates, Messrs Eyitayo Jegede and Agboola Ajayi, are to lead the ADC and the coalition in Ondo.

But in a joint statement yesterday in Akure, the opposition leaders described their alleged alliance with the  ADC as a “political distractions and illusions with no ideological depth.”

The statement was jointly signed by Bode Olajumoke (BOT Life Member); Eddy Olafeso (BOT Member); Agboola Alfred Ajayi (2024 Governorship candidate); and Debo Ologunagba (National Publicity Secretary).

Others are: Clement Faboyede (NEC member); Olajide Oguntodu (Minority Leader, ODHA); Ladi Omotehinse (Chairman, Forum of PDP Local Government chairmen); Bakkita Bello, PhD (State Caretaker Committee Chairman); and Oluseye Olujimi (Secretary, State Caretaker Committee).

The opposition figures  denied  any link or merger with any political party aside from the main opposition PDP .

Acknowledging that the movement of some members had raised concerns among party faithful, they said those party loyalists who have been ‘misled into believing in an imaginary coalition should retrace their steps.’

The opposition leaders said that no part of the state or national leadership of the PDP has entered into coalition discussions, emphasising that the party’s structure in the 203 wards and 18 local government areas are still very intact and operational.

“We wish to reassure our teeming supporters that the PDP remains strong, focused, and unshaken in Ondo State. No part of the national or state leadership has entered any coalition discussions, contrary to speculations making the rounds,” they stated.

“Our goal remains clear; to rescue, rebuild, and reposition Nigeria and Ondo State through the ballot. Those who have been misled into believing in an imaginary coalition should retrace their steps. The PDP is not part of any merger or third force,” they stated.

Acknowledging that the political climate in Nigeria often breeds uncertainty and temptation, they noted that the so-called coalition  lack ideological clarity and cannot rival the “tested and trusted” PDP structure.

The PDP leaders asked members to remain vigilant, organized, and committed to the PDP vision while calling for caution against being swayed by defections.

“The PDP is not just a party—it is a movement. Our mobilization for the next election is fully underway. We are not relenting. We are rebuilding.

“Not all that glitters is gold. Loyalty to a just cause will outlast opportunistic alignments,” the opposition leaders said.

Credit: The Nation