The National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Kabiru Turaki, has reiterated that the PDP remains the only credible opposition and the leading alternative to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). In his New Year message to Nigerians, delivered on Thursday, Turaki condemned recent government policies and presented his party’s agenda for 2026.
PDP viable alternative
Turaki opened his address by arguing that the APC has failed to deliver on promises of good governance and meaningful economic relief. He singled out recent tax measures introduced by the federal government, describing them as “anti‑people” and economically suffocating. The PDP chairman said such policies underscore the need for a tested and trusted opposition ready to offer a different approach.
“We remain the only viable opposition alternative to APC,” Turaki said, urging Nigerians to recall a period he characterised as one of relative economic stability, optimism and progress under previous PDP administrations. He framed 2026 as an opportunity to renew collective hope for lasting peace, sustainable progress and shared prosperity across the country.
Turaki emphasised that the PDP is committed to people‑centred leadership, promising policies that prioritise ordinary citizens’ welfare. He described the party’s platform as rooted in experience and proven governance, portraying it as the most credible option to challenge the ruling party at the ballot box.
Critics of the APC’s economic strategy have pointed to rising living costs and a heavier tax burden on households and businesses. Turaki used his message to highlight these concerns, warning that the direction of current fiscal policy risks deepening hardship for many Nigerians. He called for a reset in priorities that would relieve pressure on citizens and revive investor confidence.
Analysts say the PDP’s message will be tested as political competition intensifies ahead of elections. The chairman’s emphasis on nostalgia for past PDP administrations is a common tactic in party messaging, seeking to remind voters of earlier periods of relative calm and growth. Observers note that while such comparisons resonate with some segments of the electorate, they also invite scrutiny of the party’s record and readiness to address contemporary challenges.
Beyond criticism of tax policy, Turaki urged unity within the opposition and appealed for constructive engagement with Nigerians across regions and demographics. He called on party members to work on policies that deliver tangible improvements in security, job creation and public services.
As 2026 approaches, the political contest is likely to sharpen. The PDP’s declaration of itself as the principal alternative to the APC sets clear expectations for both parties: for the PDP to present detailed, actionable plans, and for the APC to defend its record and respond to growing public concern over economic management.
Turaki closed his message by reiterating the PDP’s commitment to restoring confidence and delivering people‑centred governance. Whether that pledge will translate into electoral gains will depend on how effectively the party addresses present economic anxieties and convinces voters it can offer a credible path to stability and prosperity.
Key Takeaways:
- PDP national chairman Kabiru Turaki declares the PDP the only viable opposition and pledges people-centred leadership in 2026, emphasising the PDP viable alternative.
- Turaki criticised the APC-led government’s tax policies as anti‑people and economically burdensome.
- The statement appeals to memories of relative stability under previous PDP administrations and calls for renewed hope and shared prosperity.
