The Caretaker Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Delta State has said Nigeria cannot afford to degenerate into a one-party state. Prof. Sylvester Monye, state chairman of the PDP Caretaker Committee in Delta State, stated this in a heartfelt New Year message to the people of the state at home and in the diaspora, stressing that a strong and functional opposition is indispensable to Nigeria’s democracy. According to him, he is confident that adherence to democratic principles will safeguard the integrity and independence of all political parties, including the PDP. While extending greetings to party leaders and faithful members across the state who, he said, heroically stood firm and made untold sacrifices to keep the party thriving, Monye noted that the beginning of a new year is always an appropriate moment for reflection and renewed commitment to service, guided by the principles of peace, equity and collective responsibility. He said it was therefore crucial for all political actors to adhere strictly to due process, internal democracy and the highest standards of political conduct, warning that decisions taken now would have far-reaching consequences for Nigeria’s democratic system. According to him, with certain matters involving the PDP currently before the courts, the party wishes to underscore the Supreme Court’s consistent position that the internal affairs of a political party are primarily to be managed by the party itself, without undue judicial interference. Monye said that despite differences in political affiliation, Deltans are united by a shared duty to uphold the stability, unity and orderly development of the state. Their mandate, he said, is to ensure that the PDP remains cohesive, responsive and ready to play its constitutional role in Delta State, a traditional PDP stronghold. He urged all leaders and members of the PDP in the state to conduct themselves with discipline, restraint and respect for party rules and democratic norms, noting that the credibility of the party’s internal processes would ultimately determine its standing before the electorate. “To the good people of Delta State, we reaffirm our unwavering commitment to protecting your interests and aspirations. In the days ahead, the Caretaker Committee will continue broad-based consultations and engagement with stakeholders across the state, ensuring that political discourse remains focused on good governance, development, and the rule of law. “The year 2026 is particularly significant, as it precedes the 2027 general elections and will see the conduct of party primaries. “In Anyanwu v. PDP and the recent SDP v. INEC decision, the court affirmed that courts should exercise restraint and respect the autonomy of political parties.

 Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, has said that there will be no going back on the decision taken to restore power to Rivers people in the 2027 elections.

Wike said this during a “Thank You Visit'” to Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State on Wednesday.

The minister disclosed that part of the decision was to support Tinubu’s reelection for a second term and correct the leadership mistake at the state level.

He stressed that no amount of money would change their course saying, “we have done it before and we are going to do it again.

“We are prepared; we have made a decision and we are not going back. I want you to be strong. Nobody will intimidate us”.

He explained that the people that were entrusted with power in Rivers State have been misled by money and power, adding that greed and lack of gratitude lead to downfall.

He said he was in the community to thank Eleme people for standing firm with Tinubu, adding that “I want to say that I have not taken your support for granted.

“In spite of all the troubles, Tinubu decided that I, a South South person, should be the Minister of FCT. It has never happened before.

Also, the ongoing development in this area has never happened before until Tinubu happened”.

Earlier, Chief Aforji Igwe, representing Eleme in Rivers State Assembly, described Wike as a “fair, just and a man of integrity”

Igwe pledged the support of Eleme people to the minister due to his outstanding support to the people.

Also, Chairman of Eleme Council, Chief Obarilormate Ollor, commended Wike for all the infrastructural intervention in the area during his time as governor of Rivers.

Ollor assured Wike that the people were with him and ready to go wherever he asked them to go.

He said that the people were already aware of his directive for the reelection of Tinubu but awaiting the directive for the governorship election in 2027.