PDP Leaders Move to Heal Rifts, Assure Nigerians of Electoral Participation
Leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) aligned with the camp of Kabiru Tanimu Turaki have pledged a renewed commitment to reconciliation efforts within the party, assuring Nigerians that the opposition platform will participate fully in the 2027 general elections. This assurance followed a two-day emergency consultative meeting held in Abuja, where stakeholders deliberated on the lingering internal crisis and pathways to restoring unity across factions.
Reconciliation Efforts and Court Advisory
Addressing journalists at the end of the meeting, Turaki, who leads the faction that emerged from the nullified November 15 and 16 national convention in Ibadan, declared that "hope is not lost" for the party, despite ongoing disputes. He explained that the reconciliation initiative was in line with the advisory of the Court of Appeal in Ibadan, which urged parties in the dispute to explore amicable resolution to safeguard the PDP's stability and electoral prospects.
According to him, the party's Board of Trustees, under the leadership of Senator Adolphus Wabara, constituted a high-powered committee to engage aggrieved members and resolve outstanding issues threatening cohesion within the party. "In demonstration of good faith, the National Working Committee postponed earlier scheduled meetings of the National Executive Committee (NEC) and National Caucus, while also de-escalating combative communication," he said.
Concerns Over Rhetoric and Peace Efforts
Turaki, however, expressed concern over what he described as the continued use of "hurtful rhetoric and derogatory statements" by the opposing camp, noting that such actions could undermine ongoing peace efforts. Despite this, he disclosed that leaders across the divide had begun to "break the ice" and were actively exploring options for a lasting resolution. He urged party faithful to avoid inflammatory remarks and actions capable of derailing reconciliation.
"To all aspirants who have stood with us thus far, we assure you that, by the grace of God, our party will field candidates for all elective offices," he said, citing the provisions of the PDP constitution. He also commended Nigerians who have continued to identify with the party, particularly through its electronic membership registration platform, noting that the support base remained resilient despite recent challenges.
PDP's Democratic Role and Confidence in Leadership
Reaffirming the PDP's role in Nigeria's democratic evolution, Turaki described the party as a "legacy platform" with a responsibility to provide credible opposition and deepen democratic governance. He further conveyed a vote of confidence passed by the faction's National Working Committee on Governors Bala Mohammed and Seyi Makinde for their leadership and resilience.
On the planned national convention scheduled for March 29 and 30, 2026, by the faction backed by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and led by the National Caretaker Working Committee Chairman, Abdulrahman Mohammed, Turaki said his group's participation would depend on the outcome of the reconciliation process. "All actions will be guided by the reconciliation process. If it dictates postponement, so be it; if it supports participation, we will comply," he stated.
NEC Meeting and Unity Calls
Meanwhile, the PDP's National Executive Committee (NEC) had, at its 107th meeting in Abuja earlier this week, reaffirmed its zoning formula for national elective positions and called for unity as preparations intensify for the convention. In a communiqué signed by Abdulrahman Mohammed and Secretary of the Caretaker Committee, Samuel Nnaemeka Anyanwu, NEC ratified reports of recently concluded ward, local government, state, and zonal congresses, describing them as largely peaceful, transparent, and credible.
The committee also reviewed progress on the ongoing electronic membership registration, urging wider participation to build a robust and technology-driven database. NEC endorsed the party's zoning arrangement for national offices, stressing that it was anchored on equity, fairness, and inclusiveness, and would guide the forthcoming convention themed, "A Convention of Inclusiveness, Unity and Renewal." The committee further confirmed that the sale of nomination forms had commenced and advised aspirants to adhere strictly to established guidelines and timelines.
Leadership Remarks and Future Outlook
In his remarks, Mohammed described the period as a defining moment for the party, urging members to embrace unity and collective responsibility. "There is no victor and no vanquished. What we have is a shared responsibility to rebuild and reposition our party," he said.
Also speaking, Wike emphasised the need for genuine reconciliation and loyalty among members, cautioning against opportunistic politics. "We must continue to build unity. Those who believe in this party must stand firm. Politics should not be about deception or convenience," he said.
Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Mao Ohuabunwa, on his part, urged members to approach contentious issues with wisdom and a spirit of compromise, noting that the strength of the PDP lies in its ability to manage differences. At the close of deliberations, NEC expressed confidence in the party's renewed strength and readiness to offer Nigerians a credible alternative platform for governance.
