PDP Women Protest National Secretariat, Accusing NWC of Belittling and Exploiting Members
A group of women from Nigeria’s main opposition party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), on Thursday staged a protest at the National Secretariat, condemning the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) for disregarding their rights and dignity. In a strongly worded statement released on x.com, the women accused the NWC of belittling and exploiting them, citing a particularly egregious example: a meeting call that failed to materialize when only junior staff were sent in representative capacity.
According to eyewitnesses, a large number of women converged outside the PDP’s National Secretariat, holding placards with writings like “We are tired” and “We demand respect from our leaders.” The protesters claim that the NWC has never taken their concerns seriously, continually disregarding their opinions and experiences within the party.
In their statement, the distressed women stated that they would not participate in another meeting with the NWC and insisted that they were willing to sacrifice their livelihoods for the sake of their activism. They called for a National Convention to be held urgently, warning that escalating tensions would only lead to additional chaos if no action is taken.
At the heart of the issue lies dissatisfaction with the NWC’s failure to adhere to democratic principles, including fair and inclusive representation. The protesters accused the committee of using intimidating behavior, exploiting vulnerable members, and making crucial decisions without considering the well-being of party faithful.
As the world watches, the crisis escalates, with many doubting the party’s ability to effectively steer Nigeria towards a brighter future. Against this backdrop, the protest represents not only a fight for individual rights but an urgent plea for change.
Watch the video below to see scenes from the protest: