By Emmanuel Oloniruha
Abuja, Jan. 1, 2026 (NAN) — In a New Year message that underscores the nation’s pressing challenges, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has issued a clarion call to the Federal Government, urging it to make the security of lives and the economic welfare of citizens its paramount and non-negotiable priorities for the year 2026.
The message, signed by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Ini Ememobong, frames the new year as a critical juncture for governance to pivot decisively towards the people.
A Nation at a Crossroads: The Imperative for a Security Overhaul
Ememobong conveyed the PDP’s solidarity with Nigerians grappling with what he described as “persistent insecurity and economic hardship.” The party’s call goes beyond mere rhetoric, touching on a constitutional crisis. The primary duty of any government, as enshrined in Section 14(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution, is “the security and welfare of the people.” The PDP’s statement is a direct challenge to the government’s performance on this fundamental mandate.
The party advised the Federal Government to “recommits to its constitutional responsibility of protecting lives and property.” This implies a need for more than tactical adjustments; it suggests a strategic overhaul. Experts argue that effective security in the Nigerian context requires a multi-pronged approach: enhanced intelligence gathering, community policing frameworks to build local trust, addressing the root causes of banditry and insurgency (such as unemployment and lack of education), and ensuring the welfare and professionalism of security personnel themselves. The PDP’s message hints that the current strategies have fallen short, demanding a 2026 reset.
From Rulers to Servants: A Philosophy of Governance
The core of the PDP’s New Year critique is a philosophical redefinition of leadership. “Those entrusted with power are not rulers, but servants of the people,” Ememobong stated, adding that this mandate “must be exercised with humility and accountability.” This is a direct appeal for a governance model that is responsive, transparent, and measured by tangible improvements in citizens’ quality of life, rather than political survival or partisan gains.
The statement warned, “This new year must not be another chapter of broken promises, but a turning point marked by decisive and people-centred governance.” This reflects a deep public cynicism and calls for 2026 to be a year of demonstrable action—where infrastructure projects are completed, social welfare programs reach intended beneficiaries, and economic policies directly alleviate the cost-of-living crisis.
Upholding Democratic Institutions: The Bedrock of Justice
Extending its critique beyond the executive branch, the PDP addressed other pillars of democracy. Ememobong urged the judiciary, electoral body, security agencies, and other democratic institutions to “resist pressure, inducement and fear in carrying out their duties.” This is a significant point, highlighting the interconnectedness of governance. A secure nation requires not just a strong military, but also a just legal system and credible elections that confer legitimacy.
The stark warning that “democracy cannot endure where arbitrariness replaces justice and impunity thrives unchecked” serves as a reminder that security and welfare are undermined when citizens lose faith in the fairness of the system itself. For 2026 to be a success, the PDP argues, all institutions must function independently to uphold the rule of law.
The Opposition’s Role: Solidarity and Advocacy
Reaffirming its own constitutional role, the PDP pledged continued “solidarity with Nigerians in the struggle for an egalitarian society founded on fairness, equity and accountable governance.” The party positioned itself as the people’s advocate, vowing to “speak truth to power and stand with the people until governance reflects their will, welfare and aspirations.”
This final note frames the political dynamic for 2026: an opposition party holding the government to account on the most basic metrics of state performance—safety and well-being. The coming year will be a test of whether the government’s agenda aligns with this urgent public demand.
(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
OBE/CMY/KTO
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Edited by Collins Yakubu-Hammer / Kamal Tayo Oropo
