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By Tracy Moses
Former Speakers of various State Houses of Assembly elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have declared firm support for the party’s legal efforts to reclaim mandates from elected officials who defected after winning elections on its platform.
Rising from an emergency meeting held in Abuja on Saturday, the Forum of Former PDP Speakers accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of engineering mass defections as part of a broader strategy to erode Nigeria’s multi-party democracy.
Reading from the communiqué, Chairman of the Forum and current House of Representatives member, Rt. Hon. Inuwa Garba (Yamaltu/Deba, Gombe State), criticized the APC for what he described as “calculated political sabotage.”
He said, “The APC is actively pursuing a one-party state by infiltrating and coercing opposition figures. This wave of defections poses a grave danger to democratic norms and constitutional order,” Garba warned.
He expressed the Forum’s unreserved backing of PDP’s resolve to challenge the legality of such defections in court, including the high-profile case of Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and others, in line with the position earlier articulated by the party’s Acting National Chairman, Ambassador Umar Damagum.
Garba stressed that the sanctity of Nigeria’s political diversity must be protected. “Democracy thrives on plurality. Forcing a singular political narrative on a country as diverse as Nigeria is not just undemocratic, it is perilous,” he said.
The Forum also raised concerns about the deteriorating security situation in the country, citing ongoing violence and attacks in Benue, Plateau, and Borno States. It extended condolences to victims and affected communities, calling for urgent federal intervention.
On internal party matters, the Forum urged the PDP to remain resolute in its plans to hold its national convention as scheduled. It also proposed a strategic retreat for party stakeholders to realign and reposition the PDP ahead of future elections.
Calling on PDP lawmakers in the National Assembly to present a united front, the Forum emphasized the need for the opposition to function more robustly in checking the excesses of the ruling party.
“Nigerians are groaning under rising economic hardship. The APC government must review its economic agenda and implement policies that offer real relief,” the communique stated.
Reaffirming their commitment to the PDP, the former speakers pledged to continue advocating for the protection of Nigeria’s democracy and constitutional governance.