Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has strongly dismissed Senate President Godswill Akpabio's claim that the party is "dead," insisting it remains vibrant, resilient and well-positioned to reclaim power in future elections despite its current internal challenges.
The party's reaction followed comments made by Akpabio on Wednesday during the commissioning of the newly completed Akinwumi Ajibola Street in the Gaduwa District of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. Representing President Bola Tinubu at the event, the Senate President joked that he was surprised the PDP was still in existence and urged the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to "allow what is dead to remain dead."
Akpabio made the remarks while acknowledging dignitaries at the event, including Senator Olaka Nwogu, who recently won the Rivers South-East Senatorial District by-election on the platform of the PDP. The comment immediately drew reactions from opposition figures and intensified the ongoing political exchanges between the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the PDP.
Responding in a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Mohammed Jungudo, the PDP described Akpabio's remarks as misleading and politically motivated, insisting that the opposition party remains alive, strong and actively rebuilding ahead of future electoral contests.
According to the party, recent electoral victories, growing support from Nigerians and the increasing interest shown by political stakeholders across the country demonstrate that the PDP remains one of Nigeria's most formidable political platforms.
The party maintained that despite recent internal disagreements and defections, it continues to enjoy nationwide acceptance and remains committed to repositioning itself for future elections.
Jungudo said the PDP has repeatedly survived difficult political moments since its formation in 1998 and remains confident that it will overcome its present challenges through ongoing reconciliation and restructuring efforts.
He argued that contrary to Akpabio's assertion, the PDP is becoming stronger and more attractive to Nigerians dissatisfied with the country's current political and economic situation.
The opposition party also described itself as the "beautiful bride" of Nigerian politics, insisting that many politicians and stakeholders continue to identify with its ideology and are joining its rebuilding process ahead of the next election cycle. It stated that the growing momentum within the party reflects its enduring national appeal despite attempts by political opponents to portray it as irrelevant.
The latest exchange comes against the backdrop of months of internal reforms within the PDP following leadership disputes, defections by some prominent members and efforts to strengthen its national structures.
Although the party has faced significant challenges in recent years, including internal disagreements over leadership and strategy, it insists those issues are gradually being resolved through consultations among governors, party elders, lawmakers and other stakeholders.
Political observers note that Akpabio's comments are part of the growing political rhetoric already defining preparations for the 2027 general elections, as both the APC and the PDP seek to shape public perception ahead of the next electoral cycle.
While the APC has continued to project itself as Nigeria's dominant political force following successive electoral victories, the PDP maintains that it remains the country's principal opposition party and possesses the organisational capacity to challenge for power nationally.
The exchange also reflects the increasingly competitive political atmosphere, with both parties using public events to reinforce their respective narratives about Nigeria's political future.
Despite the verbal exchanges, the PDP insisted it remains focused on rebuilding its internal structures, expanding its membership base and presenting itself as a credible alternative capable of returning to power.
The party urged its members to remain united and ignore statements intended to discourage them, expressing confidence that its ongoing reorganisation would position it strongly for future electoral victories.
As preparations gradually begin for the 2027 general elections, the renewed war of words between the APC and the PDP signals that political competition is already intensifying, with both parties seeking to consolidate support and shape the national conversation long before campaigns officially commence.
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