Turaki Updates on PDP Reconciliation: “Combative, Derogatory Statements Have Stopped” (Full Text)

The Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) National Working Committee (NWC), led by Tanimu Turaki, has announced that a reconciliation process is now underway with the goal of bringing the party’s disgruntled factions together and resolving the existing issue.

Turaki personally signed a statement on Wednesday confirming the information.

A committee to communicate with the faction supporting Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike has been established, according to the factional PDP National Chairman. The committee’s goal is to resolve unresolved issues and reposition the party for the 2027 elections.

In order for the reconciliation to proceed in good faith and serve the party’s interests overall, he promised that his own side had reduced confrontational communication on all fronts and urged the opposing camp to cease making cruel and disparaging remarks.

He claims that there is still hope because the PDP is still in existence and would field candidates for the general elections in 2027.

Here is the complete statement.

“The Board of Trustees of the party, skillfully led by His Excellency, Sen. Adolphus Wabara, GCON, established a high-powered committee to interact 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 show of good faith, the National Working Committee promptly sent out a notification delaying the National Executive Committee and National Caucus meetings that were originally planned to take place two days later. On all fronts, we also reduced the intensity of aggressive communication. We anticipated a reciprocal gesture, but instead we have seen cruel speech being weaponized and disparaging remarks being made. However, we continue to be aware of the wide-ranging consequences of this disagreement, especially in light of the current Electoral Act’s strict deadlines. As a result, we urge the other group’s leadership to act in the best interests of the 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 investigating different avenues for a long-term settlement. To avoid endangering the current peace efforts, we implore all of our supporters to quickly defuse tense conversations and behaviors.

“To all of the candidates who have supported us thus far, we guarantee that, with God’s grace, our party will field candidates for all elective seats in accordance with Article 6(2) of the PDP Constitution (as revised in 2017).

Additionally, we are deeply grateful to Nigerians nationwide who have continued to express interest in our party and have registered through our online platform, http://iampdp.org. Our loyal supporters’ faith is unwavering in spite of recent setbacks. We are working hard to find solutions to the problems at hand for them.

As we all know, democracy necessitates more than just holding regular elections; it also calls for a strong opposition and a vibrant civil society to keep the government responsible. 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 ruling this nation for 16 years.

“We urge individuals in positions of responsibility 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 are ultimately in charge, thus they must continue to be the focal point of government.

Before I wrap up, let me express the NWC’s unequivocal 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 power may truly return to the people.”