The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Nasarawa State has refuted claims by the All Progressive Congress (APC) that PDP members were involved in the siege on and #EndBadGovernance protests that rocked APC Nasarawa State secretariat yesterday (Tuesday, August 6).
The statement came in response to accusations from the APC, alleging that the protesters who besieged the APC State Secretariat were members of the PDP.
Hon. Francis Orogu, PDP State Chairman in a statement made available to reporters on Wednesday, said: “It is laughable for the APC leadership in Nasarawa to claim that our responsible and focused members would engage in such protests. We wouldn’t want to engage in matters that are clear for the public to understand, especially the #EndBadGovernance mass protest.”
Orogu emphasized that the PDP has never engaged in street protests without a clear agenda and valid reasons, adding: “Our party, in its wisdom, always notifies security agencies, not for approval, but as a responsible act. This allows security to monitor and provide cover if needed.”
The PDP chairman criticized the APC for attributing the protests to PDP members.
“The APC should hold its dissatisfied and disappointed members responsible for the attack on their State Headquarters if any. These members are unhappy with the governance and anti-human policies of their government,” Orogu chided.
He further challenged APC State Chairman Alhaji Aliyu Bello to present evidence supporting his claims, emphasizing: “We challenge Aliyu Bello to file a case against any alleged PDP members if he has clear evidence of their involvement in the protests.”
Orogu clarified that no protest notification was sent to security outfits by the PDP, insisting that “there was no protest notification letter from any level or organs of our party to security agencies, nor were any of our esteemed and loyal members seen engaging in protests.”
According to Orogu, all incidents of the #EndBadGovernance mass protest were attributed to APC members nationwide, stressing that “evidence shows the numbers of arrests, deaths, vandalism, and thefts involving APC members, not PDP.”
The PDP reiterated its commitment to peaceful and responsible political engagement, noting that the party “values the sanctity of its Secretariat and will not engage in radical actions.”
Reiterating that the PDP as a responsible political party remains focused on responsible governance, the special assistant to the party’s State Chairman said: “The PDP under Hon. Francis Orogu’s leadership is committed to foresighted and focused leadership for the betterment of Nasarawa State.”
