The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has denied any link with newly unveiled Advance Peoples Democratic Alliance (APDA).The National Caretaker Committee
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has denied any link with newly unveiled Advance Peoples Democratic Alliance (APDA).
The National Caretaker Committee of the party made the clarification in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Mr Dayo Adeyeye. The party said that the clarification was necessary following numerous calls it had received from members, concerned citizens and well wishers soon after the new association was unveiled in Abuja on Monday.
“For the avoidance of doubt, we reiterate once again that we are not in any way associated with the new political association in any form or guise. The APDA is neither an offshoot of the PDP nor its alter ego as some are speculating.
“This statement is made purely to set the records straight and to avoid unnecessary innuendos speculations and ambiguity that may threaten the continued unity and solidarity of our party members,” it stated.
The party, however, appreciated millions of well-meaning Nigerians for their concern and commitment to the defence of the country’s nascent democracy. It added that the democracy cannot survive without a strong and vibrant opposition.
There were speculations that APDA was being floated by some prominent members of the Ahmed Makarfi-led faction of the PDP who planned to quit the party in the event that it loses its appeal against the Ali Modu-Sheriff faction at the Supreme Court. However, Mr. Shittu, who was also the National Chairman of Republican Party of Nigeria and later Special Adviser to former PDP National Chairman, Bamanga Tukur, on Inter-party Affairs, further explained that the PDP members were present at the event to show solidarity with the new group.
The APDA is being fronted by a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Raymond Dokpesi, and a former Chairman of the Labour Party. The party was unveiled on Monday at the Reiz Continental Hotel in the nation’s capital city. The group said it would soon apply to the Independent National Electoral Commission to be formally registered as a political party.
