15/01/2026
Chairman’s New Year Address (2026)
People’s Democratic Party — UK & Northern Ireland Diaspora Chapter
Distinguished members of the PDP UK & NI Diaspora,
Esteemed party elders, youth and women leaders abroad,
Delegates, supporters, and friends of our party in the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland,
Fellow Nigerians at home and in the diaspora,
I bring you greetings of unity, resilience, and hope as we begin the year 2026, a year that presents both serious challenges and tremendous opportunities for our beloved party and our dear nation, the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
The Context at the Start of 2026
The end of 2025 was marked by events that have left Nigerians everywhere asking profound questions about leadership, governance, and national security.
Last December, an airstrike involving foreign military forces took place on Nigerian soil targeting extremist elements—a strike confirmed as part of coordinated security actions and followed days later by delivery of military supplies from the same partner state to Nigeria’s security forces. These developments have generated mixed reactions across Nigeria and among Nigerians abroad —some welcoming decisive action against violent groups, others concerned about sovereignty, civilian risks, and strategic clarity in how national security is pursued.
At the same time, Nigeria continues to grapple with persistent insecurity, fuelled by various armed groups that threaten stability across multiple regions.
Economic Hardship and Policy Fallout
Economically, Nigerians have entered this new year under strain.
The removal of fuel subsidies in 2023—intended by some as a necessary fiscal reform—has continued to have a strong impact on cost of living and daily survival for ordinary families Workers’ incomes and purchasing power have been eroded, and citizens are struggling to meet basic needs amid inflation and rising prices across sectors.
This economic context has been compounded by the introduction of a comprehensive tax reform regime, set to take effect from January 1, 2026. The legislation aims to modernize the tax system and broaden the revenue base, but for many Nigerians the immediate perception is one of higher costs and economic pressure, especially as the new laws are rolled out alongside lingering hardship in the real economy.
These economic realities have fuelled frustration and anxiety within our communities, both in Nigeria and in the diaspora.
Defections and the State of the PDP
In recent months, our party has experienced defections, triggered by dissatisfaction, internal disagreements, or political realignments. These departures have been deeply felt in our chapters abroad and at home.
it is important to note that a party that never sees members leave is also a party that never sees members return with renewed conviction Defections expose weaknesses but also create opportunities for renewal—if we choose to learn from them, rather than to fear them.
Resolution of Internal Divisions
Over the past year, your Diaspora Chapter has worked tirelessly to resolve internal divisions that threatened to distract us from our national mission. We have:
* Strengthened dialogue between chapters in the UK & NI, the National HQ, and other diaspora regions
* Encouraged mediation and reconciliation among disputing factions
* Reaffirmed our commitment to internal democracy and respectful debate
These steps have not been easy, but they have led to a stronger, more cohesive base abroad—ready to support the party’s national objectives with unity, discipline, and strategic focus.
Preparing for the 2027 Elections
Fellow members, 2027 looms large on our political horizon. This is not just another electoral cycle—this is a decisive moment for Nigeria’s democratic future.
As the diaspora chapter, we are:
* Mobilizing Nigerian communities across the UK & NI for voter education and registration
* Coordinating issue-based campaigns on governance, security, and economic reform
* Engaging with progressive thought leaders and civil society to shape policy platforms
* Strengthening partnerships with youth and women networks to expand our reach
We must approach 2027 not reactively, but strategically.
A Call to Renewed Purpose
Let us be honest about the disconnect many Nigerians feel today between leadership and lived reality. They want policies that work and governance that listens. They want security that protects rather than exposes them to further uncertainty. They want economic measures that lift lives, not policies that add to their burdens.
As a party that has governed Nigeria and understands its complex diversity and potential, the PDP must articulate alternatives that are:
Clear in purpose
Grounded in empathy
Driven by evidence, not slogans
Responsive to citizens’ daily struggles
Closing: Our Shared Responsibility
In this new year, the PDP Diaspora Chapter in the UK & Northern Ireland recommits itself to:
Unity over division
Discipline over discord
Ideas over rhetoric
Preparation for service over entitlement to power
We do this not merely for the party, but for Nigeria—our shared homeland.
Let every challenge of 2026 be transformed into a stepping stone toward national renewal, democratic deepening, and prosperity for all Nigerians.
May God bless the People’s Democratic Party.
May God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Reverend Rex Chosen - Chairman PDP UK & NI
Our website: https://pdpukinternational.org/
Contact: PDP UK & NI Headquarters Office London, United Kingdom.
Mobile: + 44(0)7747730050;
Whatsapp: +44(0)7469002466
Email: [email protected]
09/01/2026