By Nnasom David

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kogi State has raised concerns over worsening insecurity in the state and called for an extension of the timetable for the 2026 local government elections, warning that the current schedule could exclude the opposition from participating fully.

Speaking to journalists after a State Working Committee meeting at the party secretariat on Tuesday, the Kogi PDP chairman, Hon. Muhammed Sanni Gambo, said insecurity had become a major national challenge with serious implications for Kogi State, urging governments at all levels to do more to protect lives and property.

“Our people must be able to sleep with their two eyes closed and carry out their legitimate businesses without fear,” Gambo said.

He added that the PDP was willing to collaborate with authorities by offering constructive suggestions aimed at improving security across the state.

The PDP chairman also appealed to the Kogi State Independent Electoral Commission to extend the timetable for the forthcoming 2026 local government elections.

He described the quick closure of nomination forms as a deliberate attempt to shut the PDP out of the process.

“There must be an extension to enable our party participate fully. We will not accept any arrangement designed to exclude us,” he said.

Gambo further announced that the party had resolved to set up reconciliation and other committees to address internal grievances and reunite aggrieved members. According to him, the move is part of efforts to rebuild and strengthen the PDP in Kogi State ahead of future elections.

He recalled a Federal High Court ruling of November 10, which he said affirmed his position as the duly elected chairman of the party in the state, and urged party members to rally behind his leadership.

The PDP chairman also called on members who had defected or were sitting on the fence to return to the party, describing the PDP as their political home. He stressed that the party was not interested in fighting individuals or groups but was focused on internal development and unity.

Declaring that the party had entered a new era, Gambo said the PDP was determined to put past divisions behind it and work collectively towards a brighter future. He urged leaders, stakeholders and members to set aside personal interests and support the rebuilding process.

According to him, the PDP, as the country’s major opposition party, remains committed to reclaiming political power at both the state and national levels in 2027, with the aim of restoring dignity and prosperity to Nigerian families.

Gambo also called for unity and sacrifice among party members, saying the time had come for the PDP to take its rightful place in Kogi State and Nigeria, while wishing residents of the state a prosperous 2026.