PDP Urges Judiciary, INEC, Police to Uphold Neutrality Ahead of 2025 National Convention

…..Party calls for transparency as APC chieftain dismisses allegations, says PDP should fix internal crisis

From Paul Orude Bauchi

As preparations heighten for the 2025 National Elective Convention of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the party has called on key democratic institutions, including the judiciary, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and the Nigeria Police Force, to uphold neutrality and transparency in the discharge of their constitutional duties.

The appeal was contained in a statement issued by the PDP Media Sub-Committee ahead of the party’s forthcoming convention, where new national officers are expected to emerge.

The statement emphasised that in every democratic setting, opposition parties play a vital role in strengthening democracy, ensuring accountability, and offering alternative policy options for national development.

It, however, expressed concerns that democratic institutions must not be perceived as biased or susceptible to political influence.

“Institutions such as the judiciary, INEC, and the police are pillars upon which credible and sustainable democracy stands,” it stated.

“Their actions before, during, and after political exercises”

The party urged the agencies to “exhibit the highest sense of patriotism and professionalism” in handling political matters, stressing that fairness, justice, and respect for due process remain the bedrock of peace and stability in the country.

While assuring its supporters of the leadership’s readiness to conduct a transparent and credible national convention, the PDP called on members to remain united, law-abiding, and vigilant against any acts capable of undermining internal democracy.

“This convention is a defining moment for our party. Members should remain focused, resist distractions, and protect the democratic legacy which the PDP has nurtured over the years,” the statement added.

Recalling the party’s years in power, the PDP described its tenure under former President Goodluck Jonathan as a period of inclusive governance, economic stability, and respect for democratic freedoms.

It said those experiences continue to inspire the party’s renewed commitment to good governance and national unity.

The statement further disclosed that the party is in touch with friendly civil society organizations and members of the international community to ensure that democratic principles and processes are upheld.

“We remain confident in the capacity of Nigeria’s democratic institutions to act impartially and in the best interest of the nation,” the PDP Media Sub-Committee concluded.

When contacted for comments, a one-time member of the Bauchi State House of Assembly, Alhaji Ahmad Isa Tahir, dismissed the PDP’s concerns as unfounded, describing them as “baseless allegations.”

According to him, the opposition party is facing internal challenges that require internal solutions rather than blame-shifting.

“PDP is already a dead party; that is why Nigerians are leaving it,” Tahir said. “Their problems are internal wranglings among themselves, which they need to settle.

“They should not apportion blame to anybody or organization but blame themselves for their refusal to put their house in order”

Tahir expressed confidence that the All Progressives Congress (APC) will retain power in the 2027 general elections, saying Nigerians have continued to support the ruling party because of its commitment to governance and national stability.