Alhaji Adamu Maina Waziri, leader of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Yobe state, summoned party members on Friday to dispel rumors of his departure from the party, insisting he remains a member.
Addressing supporters in Potiskum town, Waziri acknowledged that PDP is grappling with “trials and tribulations, including leadership problems.”
He confirmed his involvement in coalition talks with members of the PDP and other political parties, emphasising the discussions extend beyond internal party affairs.
He revealed that the talks include representatives from the PDP, All Progressives Congress (APC), Labour Party, and other opposition groups, aiming to “build a platform strong enough to challenge the APC’s misrule.
“Let me be clear, I’m not in these talks as a PDP representative. I participate as a democrat exercising my right to associate and express views,” Waziri declared.
He expressed confidence in the support from both PDP and non-PDP members in Yobe state and stressed his duty to keep them informed of his national engagements to avoid surprises.
Waziri urged the PDP to position itself as the leading opposition to address Nigeria’s challenges by 2027, asserting that “democracy cannot exist without opposition.”
He also lamented the party’s failure to provide necessary platform for effective opposition to steer national discourse.
On calls for the North Central to produce the PDP’s National Chairman, Waziri cited the party’s constitution, saying, “If the chairman vacates office, the deputy assumes the role in an interim capacity until a permanent replacement is appointed.
“These are the rules, and we must respect them.”