The Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) National Working Committee (NWC), led by Tanimu Turaki, has acknowledged that a reconciliation process is in progress with the goal of bringing the party’s disgruntled factions together and resolving the present conflict.
Turaki personally signed the statement that provided the confirmation on Wednesday.
In order to resolve unresolved disputes and reposition the party for the 2027 elections, the factional PDP National Chairman revealed that a committee has been established to communicate with the faction loyal to Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike.
In order for the reconciliation to proceed in good faith and serve the party’s interests as a whole, he promised that his own faction had reduced aggressive communication on all fronts and asked the opposing side to cease making cruel and disparaging remarks as well.
He claims that there is still hope because the PDP is still active and would run candidates in the national elections in 2027.
The complete statement is below.
“The Board of Trustees of the party, skillfully led by His Excellency, Sen. Adolphus Wabara, GCON, established a high-powered committee to communicate with our estranged party members in order to resolve outstanding issues and reposition the party for the elections, in response to the Court of Appeal, Ibadan’s recommendation a few weeks ago that parties in the suit should explore reconciliation to save the party from further strife and provide a platform for aspirants to seek elective offices in the upcoming elections.
As a sign of good faith, the National Working Committee promptly sent out a notice delaying the National Executive Committee and National Caucus meetings that were originally planned for two days later. Additionally, we de-escalated all forms of hostile communication. We anticipated a reciprocal gesture, but instead we have seen the issue of disparaging remarks and the weaponization of painful rhetoric. Nevertheless, we continue to be aware of the broad ramifications of this disagreement, especially in light of the current Electoral Act’s strict deadlines. Thus, we urge the other group’s leadership to act in the best interests of our many party members who rely on our platform to run for elected office.
“I can categorically state that, as of right now, leaders on both sides have broken the ice and are looking into several options for a long-term settlement. In order to avoid endangering the ongoing peace efforts, we implore all of our supporters to promptly defuse tense conversations and behaviors.
In accordance with Article 6(2) of the PDP Constitution (as revised in 2017), we assure those aspirants who have supported us thus far that, by God’s grace, our party will field candidates for all elective posts.
“We also respectfully thank Nigerians nationwide who have enrolled using our e-registration platform, http://iampdp.org, and have continued to express interest in our party. Our core supporters’ faith hasn’t wavered in the face of recent difficulties. We are doing everything in our power to find solutions for them.
As we know, democracy is more than just holding regular elections; in order to hold the government responsible, it also needs a strong opposition and an engaged civil society. Even as an opposition party, we are dedicated to protecting and strengthening our democracy since we are Nigeria’s only remaining legacy party in the current republic and have had the unique honor of leading this nation for 16 years.
“We urge those in positions of power to never lose sight of the fact that they are representatives of the people and that their actions must always reflect the will of the people.” The people have ultimate authority, so they must continue to be the focal point of government.
“Let me start by expressing the NWC’s unanimous vote of confidence in Governors Bala Mohammed and Seyi Makinde for their tenacity and unwavering leadership in the face of recent difficulties.
“Let me conclude by assuring Nigerians that the PDP is still in existence and will take part in the upcoming elections, providing a legitimate platform for strong political contests at all levels, so that the people can actually regain power.”
