Adebayo Adenrele
…PDP not facing extinction, says Southwest Spokesman
An Ekiti-born Quantity Surveyor and a Chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Victor Femi Ekunya, has declared his ambition to contest the 2027 presidential election, with a vow to wipe out criminal elements across the country within 24 hours if elected as President.
Ekunya, who hails from Ise-Orun Local Government Area of Ekiti State, said Nigeria’s worsening security challenges stem partly from systemic failures within government, alleging complicity between insiders and criminal elements.
Addressing members of the party during his official declaration in Ado-Ekiti, the aspirant noted that Nigeria’s current manpower is grossly inadequate to effectively police its large population.
Ekunya proposed the recruitment of three million additional security personnel, describing it as a critical step toward strengthening the nation’s capacity to combat insurgency and criminality.
He expressed confidence that, with the right structure and political will, banditry and insurgency could be swiftly curtailed.
His words, “We have this in our government: the one inside the house is sponsoring the one outside. That is the way it is working in Nigeria.
“We also have issues with our security system. At present, if you look at the security personnel in Nigeria, we have about 500,000 professional security agencies to secure 250 million people. It is practically impossible.
“That is why we rolled out 3 million jobs for the security system, so they can have enough resources and manpower to fight insurgencies across the country.
“This is a promise to address insurgency across the boundaries. It will be wiped off within 24 hours. It’s a promise”.
Ekunya also outlined a comprehensive seven-point agenda aimed at rescuing, restoring and repositioning Nigeria, with focus on agriculture, healthcare, education, infrastructure, the economy, security and foreign policy.
In agriculture, he proposed the establishment of 20,000 farmland locations nationwide, each equipped with storage, processing and packaging facilities to strengthen food security and value chains.
On healthcare, he pledged free medical services for Nigerians, expansion of hospitals, improved welfare for health workers and increased investment in modern medical equipment.
His education plan includes free access to primary, secondary and tertiary education, upgrading of schools, improved teachers’ welfare and the integration of technology into classrooms.
Ekunya’s infrastructure blueprint features the development of an inter-state rail network, improved road connectivity, stable electricity through a mix of energy sources and enhanced telecommunications services.
On the economy, he promised to create 30 million jobs, promote local manufacturing and double the national minimum wage, while providing an enabling environment for businesses to thrive.
Addressing governance, he pledged to intensify the fight against corruption, strengthen the judiciary and ensure transparency in public spending, alongside enhanced welfare for security agencies and investments in defence technology.
In foreign policy, the PDP aspirant said his administration would prioritize Nigeria’s sovereignty while deepening trade and diplomatic relations globally.
Accepting his ambition as as a presidential aspirant in the party, the Southwest Publicity Secretary, Sanya Atofarati declared that the party remains strong and is not on the verge of extinction, despite current challenges.
Atofarati said that while some members may feel discouraged by internal and external pressures, the PDP has a proven track record that continues to inspire confidence among Nigerians.
He noted that the PDP remains trusted and tested by the electorate, stressing that the party’s past performance continues to resonate with citizens across the country.
The party spokesman expressed optimism that the PDP is on the path to recovery, emphasizing that its leadership is working to resolve internal differences and reposition the party for future political contests.
“PDP is Alive, we are not going into extinction. When we have situation like this, many of us wants to lose hope, we believe that our dear party , when we compare our records with APC, we will agree that PDP has made its mark and that’s why the electorates believe in PDP because it has been trusted and tested.
“PDP is bouncing back against all odds, regardless of whatever the challenges that is facing the party, we are confident in the people, “Today, we have a government who is less concern about welfare but more particular about winning elections.
‘PDP is putting its house together, in order, all the leadership of the party regardless of their interest to back together in the overall interest of Nigeria”.
