No politician can kill any opposition party in Nigeria – PDP to Umahi

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ebonyi State has declared that no single politician can eliminate or impair the existence of any opposition party in Nigeria. This stance was in response to a comment allegedly made by David Umahi, the former governor of the state and current Minister of Works, who reportedly stated that he would "kill" the PDP and "unalive" it if the party attempted to regain political influence ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The PDP labeled this remark as "disturbing" and "inappropriate" for a democratic setting, emphasizing that no individual, regardless of political standing, holds the authority to dictate the fate or political participation of a registered political party.

Prince Darlington Peter Onwe, the PDP Publicity Secretary in Ebonyi State, expressed concern over the alleged remark, which came in response to a question about Umahi's support for the PDP's gubernatorial candidate, Ifeanyi Chukwuma Odii. Onwe stated that political disagreements should be addressed through logical debate, differing policies, and competing agendas rather than through threats that could be misconstrued as attempts to eliminate a political entity.

The PDP clarified that their organization represents the millions of Nigerians who uphold democratic principles, constitutional governance, and the right of citizens to form and contest elections.

The opposition party urged Minister Umahi to elucidate his statement, arguing that Nigerians deserve political discourse based on ideas, records, and programs. The PDP affirmed that political parties are institutions capable of enduring beyond individual politicians, citing their own history to demonstrate that changes in party allegiance do not necessarily spell the end for the organization.

They appealed to political leaders in Ebonyi to maintain restraint in their public statements, especially as the 2027 gubernatorial election approaches, drawing attention to past cycles marred by allegations of intimidation and confrontations.

The PDP reiterated that candidates and parties have the constitutional right to campaign and engage voters without fear, stressing that democracy necessitates the freedom of political actors to seek votes. The organization pledged to pursue its electoral goals through lawful and peaceful means, calling on its supporters to remain calm and compliant with the law.

Additionally, the PDP cautioned security agencies and relevant institutions to monitor statements that might escalate political tensions ahead of the 2027 general elections, reminding everyone that "elections are determined by the people, not by declarations that one politician has or will kill a political party."