PDP Factions Actively Exploring Pathways to Lasting Resolution, Says Chairman Turaki
Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, SAN, the National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has disclosed that members of rival factions within the party are actively exploring various pathways towards achieving a lasting resolution to the ongoing crisis rocking the party. In a statement issued on Wednesday, Turaki emphasized the urgency of the situation and called on all party supporters to immediately de-escalate heated communications and actions to avoid jeopardizing the ongoing peace efforts.
Court Advice Spurs Reconciliatory Moves
Turaki explained that the reconciliatory move is in direct obedience to the advice of the Court of Appeal in Ibadan, which, a few weeks ago, advised parties involved in a suit regarding the PDP crisis to explore reconciliation to save the party from further strife. Following this judicial guidance, the PDP's Board of Trustees, led by Senator Adolphus Wabara, established a high-powered committee to engage with estranged party members. This committee aims to resolve outstanding issues and reposition the party effectively for the upcoming elections.
As part of these reconciliatory efforts, the National Working Committee has postponed the National Executive Committee and National Caucus meetings that were earlier scheduled. Additionally, the party has taken steps to de-escalate combative communication on all fronts. "While we expected a reciprocal gesture, what we have witnessed instead is the weaponisation of hurtful rhetoric and the issuance of derogatory statements," Turaki noted. "Notwithstanding, we remain mindful of the far-reaching implications of this dispute, particularly within the tight timelines of the extant Electoral Act."
Leaders Break the Ice Amidst Challenges
Turaki confirmed that leaders on both sides of the factional divide have broken the ice and are now exploring various pathways towards a lasting resolution. He urged supporters across the board to immediately de-escalate high-tempered communications and actions to support these peace efforts. "I can unequivocally confirm that, as of today, leaders on both sides have broken the ice and are exploring various pathways towards a lasting resolution," he stated.
Addressing aspirants who have remained loyal, Turaki assured them that the party will field candidates for all elective offices, in compliance with Article 6(2) of the PDP Constitution as amended in 2017. "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 affirmed.
Commitment to Democracy and Opposition Role
Turaki also expressed appreciation for Nigerians across the country who continue to show interest in the party through registration, noting that despite recent challenges, the faith of core supporters remains unshaken. He reiterated the PDP's commitment to defending and consolidating Nigeria's democracy, emphasizing its role as the country's only surviving legacy party in the current republic, having led the nation for 16 years.
"As we are aware, democracy is not merely about the periodic conduct of elections; it also requires a virile opposition and an active civil society to hold government accountable," Turaki said. "We call on those in authority to remain conscious that they are delegates of the people, and that their actions must, at all times, align with the will of the people. Ultimate power resides with the people; it must therefore remain the centrepiece of governance."
Vote of Confidence and Future Participation
Before concluding, Turaki conveyed the National Working Committee's unanimous vote of confidence in Governors Bala Mohammed and Seyi Makinde for their resilience and steadfast leadership in the face of recent challenges. He ended by reassuring Nigerians that the PDP is alive and will participate in the forthcoming elections, offering a credible platform for robust political contests at all levels. "Let me end by reassuring Nigerians that the PDP is alive and will participate in the forthcoming elections, offering a credible platform for robust political contests at all levels, so that power may truly return to the people," he declared.
