PDP Leaders Open to Peace Pact, Assure Nigerians of 2027 Readiness
Leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) aligned with senior lawyer 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. The Turaki-led National Working Committee (NWC) of the party confirmed the commencement of a fresh reconciliation process aimed at uniting aggrieved factions, following a two-day emergency consultative meeting held in Abuja.
Reconciliation Efforts and Court Advice
Addressing journalists at the conclusion of the meeting, Turaki, who leads the faction that emerged from the 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 aligns with the advice of the Court of Appeal in Ibadan, which urged parties in the dispute to explore amicable resolutions to safeguard PDP's stability and electoral prospects. According to Turaki, the party's Board of Trustees (BoT), under the leadership of Senator Adolphus Wabara, has constituted a high-powered committee to engage aggrieved members and resolve outstanding issues threatening cohesion within the party.
In a demonstration of good faith, the NWC postponed earlier scheduled meetings of the National Executive Committee (NEC) and National Caucus, while also de-escalating combative communication. However, Turaki expressed concern over 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 have begun to "break the ice" and are actively exploring options for a lasting resolution.
Wike's Stance on Convention and Unity
Meanwhile, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, dismissed concerns over internal disagreements within the PDP, insisting that the party's national convention will proceed as scheduled despite ongoing reconciliation efforts. Speaking with journalists after inspecting projects across Abuja, Wike maintained that the existence of grievances among party members does not amount to factionalization. He emphasized that the timetable for political activities, particularly party primaries slated to hold between April 23 and May 13 in line with the Electoral Act and INEC guidelines, leaves little room for delays.
"Every process has its own timeline. Holding a convention does not preclude reconciliation," Wike stated, noting that both processes could run concurrently. He dismissed claims of divisions within the PDP, claiming ignorance of any distinct camps within the party. "As far as I am concerned, there is only one PDP. It would be incorrect to suggest otherwise unless clearly defined. Some individuals may not be happy, but that does not translate to faction," he added. Wike acknowledged that some aggrieved members have begun moves towards reconciliation, stating that "reconciliation can still go on even as the convention proceeds."
Party Confidence and Future Plans
Turaki urged party faithful to avoid inflammatory remarks and actions capable of derailing reconciliation. He commended Nigerians who have continued to identify with the party, particularly through its electronic membership registration platform, noting that the support base remains resilient despite recent challenges. 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 conveyed a vote of confidence passed by the faction's NWC on Governors Bala Mohammed and Seyi Makinde for their leadership and resilience. Regarding the national convention scheduled for March 29 and 30, 2026, by the faction backed by Wike and led by the National Caretaker Working Committee (NCWC) with Abdulrahman Mohammed as Chairman, Turaki said his group's participation would depend on the outcome of the reconciliation process.
In related developments, the PDP's NEC, 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. A communiqué signed by Abdulrahman Mohammed and Secretary of the Caretaker Committee, Samuel Anyanwu, ratified reports of recently concluded ward, local council, state, and zonal congresses, describing them as largely peaceful, transparent, and credible.
