As Nigeria begins 2026, the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has urged the Federal Government to make this year a turning point for the country, saying Nigerians can no longer endure insecurity, economic hardship and a cycle of unfulfilled promises. In a message released on Thursday and signed by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Ini Ememobong, the PDP said the government must shift its focus to protecting lives and improving living conditions if it is to restore public confidence.
The party expressed cautious optimism for the year ahead, but stressed that this hope must be matched with decisive and people-centred action. Millions of Nigerians, it said, are already weighed down by deep-seated challenges that have affected their everyday lives. These challenges include persistent insecurity, rising economic pressures, and a sense of uncertainty about the future.
The PDP reminded the government that its foremost constitutional responsibility is to protect the lives and property of the citizens. It said this duty should not be postponed, overlooked, or used as a tool in political calculations. Instead, it must be pursued urgently and without excuses. The opposition party argued that if 2026 simply brings more broken promises and political rhetoric, public despair will only deepen further.
In its statement, the party acknowledged the resilience of Nigerians who, despite these difficulties, continue to strive for a better life. It urged leaders to govern with humility and accountability, insisting that public office is a trust from the people rather than a right to power or privilege. The party emphasised that decisions and policies must be guided by the needs and welfare of ordinary citizens, not by efforts to secure political advantage or influence.
The PDP also drew attention to the role of key democratic institutions, urging them to remain strong and independent. It warned that democracy weakens when courts, electoral bodies, and security agencies give in to undue pressure, intimidation or influence. According to the party, democracy cannot thrive in an environment where justice is compromised and impunity goes unchecked.
As the main opposition, the PDP said it stands with Nigerians in the struggle for fairness and inclusive governance. It called for a more equitable distribution of national resources and opportunities, arguing that these should not be allocated along party lines or based on closeness to power. The party criticised the concentration of benefits among a political elite, saying this undermines national unity and progress.
The statement concluded with a pledge that the PDP will continue to hold the government to account. It said it will persist in advocating for transparency, justice and actions that reflect the aspirations of the people. “We will continue to speak truth to power, hold the government to account, and stand with the people until governance truly reflects their will, welfare, and aspirations,” the party said.
