PDP rallies for Unity, blasts Tinubu’s leadership at crucial NEC meeting

At its 99th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) delivered a scathing critique of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, highlighting widespread discontent over the country’s direction. But beyond criticism, the meeting also underscored the party’s resolve to reposition itself as a viable alternative ahead of future elections.

In a strongly worded communiqué, the PDP NEC painted a grim picture of Nigeria’s current state, labeling the prevailing governance style as exploitative and indifferent to the plight of ordinary citizens. The party pointed to escalating insecurity, deepening economic hardship, and alleged entrenched corruption as symptoms of what it called a gross failure of leadership under the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The PDP accused the Tinubu-led government of abdicating its primary duty of protecting lives and property, citing rising incidents of kidnappings, community attacks, and unchecked criminality as evidence of mounting insecurity. “This administration’s negligence has emboldened violent actors across the country,” the communiqué stated.

The party also took aim at economic policies it described as poorly thought out and punitive. According to the NEC, decisions such as fuel subsidy removal, electricity tariff hikes, and burdensome taxation have devastated the productive sector, resulting in job losses, business closures, and surging poverty levels. The PDP further alleged that policy inconsistency, budget inflation, and unchecked looting had shattered investor confidence.

Warning of a creeping authoritarianism, the opposition party claimed the APC was attempting to dismantle democratic norms and move Nigeria toward a one-party state by stifling dissent and targeting opposition leaders and institutions with intimidation.

Despite its criticisms, the PDP used the NEC meeting to send a message of internal cohesion and forward momentum. The party reaffirmed its dedication to democracy and unity, calling the meeting a “signal of strength and preparedness” as it gears up for upcoming political contests.

As part of its internal restructuring efforts, the NEC ratified the formation of key committees for its upcoming national convention, scheduled for August 28–30, 2025. Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri was named chairman of the Zoning Committee, with Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal serving as vice chairman and Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang as secretary—moves seen as critical steps in shaping the party’s strategic direction.