The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has dismissed claims of its declining relevance, asserting that it is consolidating internally and positioning itself for a strong comeback in the 2027 general elections.

The party’s Deputy National Youth Leader, Timothy Osadolor, made this declaration in an exclusive interview with The Tide source in Abuja on Wednesday, emphasising that the PDP remains a formidable force in Nigerian politics.

Mr Osadolor stated that the party’s recent quietness should not be mistaken for inactivity, but rather seen as a sign of internal harmony and strategic planning.

He highlighted the efforts of the Acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, who has been travelling across the country to meet stakeholders and stabilise the party ahead of its 101st National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, scheduled for July 23–25.

Mr Osadolor said, “If you’re suggesting that the PDP is no longer embroiled in public disputes, I’d say that’s a welcome development.

“Previously, every week brought news of defections, internal squabbles, or controversial statements. If the PDP platform has been quiet, it could indicate a degree of internal organisation. After all, in a peaceful home, you rarely hear noise because everyone is living in harmony. That’s not to say the PDP is resting on its laurels, though. Internally, the party is likely consolidating and building on the successes of the last NEC meeting.”

He added that the party’s leadership, including governors and NEC members, has been working diligently behind the scenes to reconcile factions and build momentum.

He explained, “Such high-level consultations and reconciliation processes aren’t conducted in public spaces like markets or wholesale centres. They take place behind closed doors, in homes and offices.

“To suggest that the Acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, has achieved a significant milestone over the last NEC meeting would be an understatement.

“At one point, the entire country was abuzz with speculation about the PDP; rumours of a split, doubts about their ability to unite, and factions like Wike’s faction, Samdaddy’s faction, and Seyi Makinde’s group. Everyone seemed to have an opinion on the party’s future.”

Mr Osadolor dismissed speculations that the PDP was losing ground to emerging opposition coalitions such as the African Democratic Congress (ADC), maintaining that the PDP brand remained strong and far from extinction.

“When you attend the NEC meeting and see the turnout, you’ll be able to judge the validity of these rumours. However, I can assure you that even if other parties form alliances, the PDP brand is far from extinction. If anything, it’s poised to rebound and reclaim its position of prominence,” he said.

He further argued that the All Progressives Congress’s (APC) performance in the last election, where it secured fewer than 9 million votes out of Nigeria’s over 240 million population—demonstrates that the PDP still has a significant role to play.

“These smaller coalitions and mushroom parties would be wise to recognise the reality of the situation.

“Even the APC, with all its resources, secured fewer than 9 million votes in the last election. Nigeria’s population is over 230 million, so why should the PDP struggle against a party with 9 million supporters when there are nearly 100 million registered voters to engage? The focus should be on the Nigerian people. Are their lives improving? No. Is there any indication that this government will bring about positive change? No.”, he said.

While he avoided naming specific potential presidential candidates, Mr Osadolor acknowledged that the question of who will fly the PDP flag in 2027 is central.

He urged Nigerians not to underestimate the party’s capacity to reorganise and present a formidable challenge in the next election.

“The priority is to strategise an exit for this administration to ensure self-relief for Nigerians,” he added.

Ahead of tomorrow’s local councils elections in Lagos State, the Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr Olohundare Jimoh, has ordered a massive deployment of personnel across the state.

Mr Jimoh disclosed this in a statement signed by the command’s spokesperson, Benjamin Hundeyin, in Lagos last Wednesday.

He said the deployment was to ensure a hitch-free exercise.

The commissioner also announced restrictions on vehicular movements between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. tomorrow.

He said, “Elaborate security arrangements and comprehensive security measures have been put in place to ensure security, safety, and peaceful and orderly conduct of the LG elections. The command with other security and safety agencies is working together under the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES). The restriction of vehicular movements will apply to all roads and waterways within the state jurisdiction.’’

He added that police escorts and armed security aides were strictly prohibited from accompanying their principals to polling units or collation centres. The measure was to prevent any undue influence or intimidation during the election.

He said, “Police escorts, covered number plates, and the use of sirens at or in the vicinity of polling units and collation centres are prohibited.”

Mr Jimoh said that only vehicles designated for essential services, such as ambulances, fire trucks, and patrol vehicles operated by security agencies in the ICCES, would be permitted to operate during the restriction period.

He added, “All other vehicles, including those belonging to any quasi-security outfit and state security agencies, are barred from movement, as no state-owned security agency is authorised to participate in the election security operations, in line with the electoral act. The movement restriction will not apply to essential services such as those on medical emergencies and other emergency responders and their workers, the duly accredited officials of the LASIEC and accredited election observers and media practitioners on election coverage accredited by LASIEC.

“These categories of groups and individuals are permitted to carry out their lawful duties during the election period, provided they adhere to all the relevant guidelines and regulations in the electoral act”.

He said that all the security personnel and other stakeholders, including the media and election observers accredited by LASIEC for the election, would have and wear their identification tags certified by LASIEC throughout the period of the election.

“No one without the identification tag will be allowed to take part in the election. Anyone arrested without an identification tag will be investigated and prosecuted in line with the Electoral Act’’, he added.