The opposition party, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is in tatters which is fast gravitating to becoming a carcass as the party’s internal implosion moved a step closer with the forming of a new political party by chieftain of the party, Chief Raymond Dopkesi as the factional war for the leadership of the PDP between Sen. Ali Modu Sheriff and Sen. Ahmed Makarfi heads to the Supreme Court.
The new party, Advanced Peoples Democratic Alliance (APDA) was officially launched in Abuja yesterday. Chief Dopkesi, who was prominent member of the Sen. Ahmed Makarfi led faction of the PDP and some other members of the party were at the official launching of the APDA.
In his welcome address, the interim National Chairman of the APDA, Mallam Shitu Mohammed Kabiru, promised that if elected into office, it would give the nation a new beginning. He explained that 25 per cent of elective positions in the party will be reserved for the youths, while the women and physically challenged will get 30 and five per cent respectively.
Kabiru said, “APDA is an actualization of the fundamental human rights of Nigerians to determine their national destiny. It is also in recognition of the general hopelessness brought upon the people by mal-administration and the urgent necessity to give Nigerians fresh opportunities and new platforms to re-direct their electoral mandate to a dependable, committed and capable generation of leaders ahead of the 2019 general elections.
“Our priority is to fight unemployment and ensure that our societies and markets become fairer. We are determined to restore the hope and trust of Nigerians for the future of our country.
In a swift reaction, the two factional group of the PDP have slammed the formation of a new party. “I don’t think the solution to Nigeria’s political problem is the proliferation of political associations that is lacking in ideology and virtue”, said Hon Bernard Mikko, the national publicity secretary of the Sheriff faction of the PDP.
In their own remark, the Makarfi faction through its spokesperson Prince Dayo Adeyeye, said, “In the last few hours, we have received numerous calls from our party members, concerned citizens and well wishers on our association or otherwise of the Advance Peoples Democratic Alliance (APDA) which was unveiled today (yesterday) at Abuja.
“For the avoidance of doubt, we reiterate once again that we are not in any way associated with the new party 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. “We thank millions of well-meaning Nigerians for their concern and commitment to the defence of our nascent democracy. In the end, this democracy cannot survive without a strong and vibrant opposition”.
The former chairman of Labour Party, Dan Nwanyanwu is also a member of the APDA.
