By Austine Agbo Emmanuel, Kaduna

The Kaduna State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has issued a sharp rebuttal to recent remarks by Governor Uba Sani suggesting that Kaduna may soon become a one-party state. The PDP described the governor’s comment as undemocratic and indicative of deep-seated political insecurity.

During an exclusive interview with Nigerian NewsDirect in Kaduna on Tuesday, the PDP State Chairman, Chief Edward Percy Masha, criticised the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led administration for exacerbating the country’s economic and social hardships, cautioning that citizens will not remain passive while democratic principles are eroded.

“The push for a one-party system is not a show of strength. It is a loud confession of fear,” Chief Edward said.

“Why fear opposition if you believe in your performance? Those calling for a one-party state are the same individuals pretending to uphold democratic values. But the people are awake. Even divine justice will side with the oppressed.”

He accused the APC of being indifferent to the escalating hardship across Nigeria, arguing that under its rule over the past ten years, ordinary citizens have borne the brunt of policy failures and neglect.

“Nigerians are dying in silence. The cost of living is suffocating, healthcare is unreachable, and survival has become a daily battle. From Buhari’s eight years to this very moment, it has been an unbroken cycle of suffering under the APC,” he stated.

Responding to Governor Sani’s May Day claim that no worker in the state earns below N72,000, the PDP leader dismissed the statement as “a painful distortion of reality.”

“What does N72,000 really buy in today’s economy? When a bag of cement is out of reach and transport fares have tripled, how does that wage ease anyone’s burden? This government has lost touch with the people’s reality,” he added.

Chief Edward maintained that the PDP remains a viable political force in the state, pointing to its performance in the 2023 general elections where it secured three Senate seats, ten seats in the House of Representatives, and defeated the APC in the presidential election by a margin of over 125,000 votes.

On the issue of recent defections from the PDP, he played down their impact, arguing that many of those leaving the party were only seeking refuge rather than holding any real allegiance to the APC.

“Those leaving are not driven by ideology. They are simply looking for shelter. The PDP is the only credible alternative for Kaduna, and under my leadership, we will guard every mandate with our lives,” he declared.

He disclosed that a reconciliation committee led by Alhaji Shuaibu Idris Mikati has already been activated to resolve internal disagreements and bring back disenchanted members.

“These are trying times, but we cannot afford to give up. The people remain the cornerstone of democracy. We have learnt from our past mistakes, and this time, we are prepared to defend both our voice and our vision for the future,” Chief Edward concluded.