Former Minister of Information and National Orientation and member of the Board of Trustees (BoT) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Professor Jerry Gana, has declared that the main opposition party will not enter into any coalition or merger with other political parties ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking in Bida, Niger State, shortly after attending the Nupe Christian Fellowship International Conference, Gana reaffirmed that despite its current challenges, the PDP remains a strong and well-structured political force trusted by Nigerians. He said party leaders are actively working behind the scenes to reposition the PDP and restore its dominance in the nation’s political landscape.
“PDP will not join any coalition because when we formed the party in 1998, it was a coalition in itself—a powerful platform for democracy,” he said. “What the PDP needs now is new leadership, and we will surprise Nigerians with a credible and competent candidate in 2027.”
Gana emphasized the party’s rich history and proven track record in governance, stating that it is the only party tested and trusted to restore Nigeria’s greatness. He ruled out the possibility of a merger, arguing that the PDP possesses the capacity, ideas, and strength to stand alone.
“All we need is to present a new leadership and a fresh proposal to Nigerians. We will give this country the purposeful leadership it deserves,” he said.
Acknowledging the internal issues currently facing the party, Gana assured Nigerians that the PDP would resolve them and emerge as a clear and credible alternative to the current administration.
“In political development, challenges are expected. Right now, as an opposition party, many things are happening, but let Nigerians be patient. We are working to fix the issues and offer a desirable alternative,” he said.
Gana described the PDP as a solid and organised party that restored democracy after military rule, bringing in good governance, justice, and fairness. He expressed regret over the current economic and security challenges in the country, contrasting them with what he said were the achievements of the PDP era.
“Under the PDP, Nigeria’s economy was stable. We paid off foreign debts and built strong institutions. Unfortunately, some of those who took over didn’t know how to govern,” he noted.
He also addressed the root causes of the internal crisis within the party, tracing it back to the breach of a political agreement made during the PDP’s formation in 1998. He explained that the agreement was based on a rotational power arrangement designed to promote equity and national unity.
“In 1999, we agreed to shift power to the South, which happened under Olusegun Obasanjo. Later, power returned to the North under Muhammadu Buhari. In 2023, some of us insisted it should go back to the South for balance and fairness, but others wanted it to remain in the North. That was a major mistake,” he said.
Gana, however, expressed optimism that the party is learning from its past and taking corrective steps.
“People are recognising that mistake. We are telling ourselves the truth, and people are listening. Very soon, Nigerians will hear good news. PDP will come back stronger, take over government, and return the country to an era of peace and prosperity,” he concluded.
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