The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has reaffirmed its commitment to unity, reconciliation, and internal democracy as it intensifies preparations for the 2027 general elections.
This position was articulated on Wednesday at the 83rd Meeting of the Board of Trustees (BoT) of the party with the newly elected members of the National Working Committee in Abuja, where the Chairman of the BoT, Senator Adolphus Wabara, and the National Chairman, Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, SAN, addressed party leaders and members.
Speaking at the meeting, Senator Wabara congratulated the party on the successful conduct of its recent National Convention, describing it as “a clear demonstration of our enduring commitment to internal democracy, transparency, and constitutional order.”
“The convention once again reaffirmed the PDP as the most organised, resilient, and people-oriented political party in Nigeria,” he said.
Wabara also commended the newly elected National Working Committee (NWC) led by Turaki, noting that the early signs from the new leadership were encouraging.
“From the early days of their tenure, the signs are clear—the party is being repositioned, structures are being strengthened, and confidence is being restored across the federation,” the BoT Chairman stated, assuring the NWC of the Board’s full support.
However, he stressed that the party must place unity above all else, calling on aggrieved members to return to the fold.
“This is a moment that calls for reconciliation and healing. I appeal to all aggrieved members, at every level of our party, to sheath their swords and return fully to the PDP family,” Wabara said.
Addressing concerns over recent defections, Wabara said party members should not be discouraged, noting that “the strength of the PDP does not lie in fleeting political movements, but in its deep-rooted connection with the Nigerian people.”
“The 2027 elections will not be about defections or propaganda; they will be about the Nigerian people versus the governing party,” he added.
In his remarks, PDP National Chairman Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, SAN, said the new National Working Committee fully understood the enormity of the task ahead, describing the PDP as “the largest political party, not only in Nigeria, but in Africa.”
“We have had our ups and downs. We fought ourselves, and we fought each other, and others fought us from within and from without,” Turaki said, adding that “now is the time for peace.”
He disclosed that reconciliation was a core priority of the new leadership.
“We believe that there is no dispute, no disagreement, and no misunderstanding that is irreconcilable, provided there is a common objective and a common will to strengthen the party,” he stated.
Turaki revealed that the NWC had embarked on extensive consultations with party stakeholders, including former presidents, governors, ministers, National Assembly members, and party leaders across the country.
“These interactive discussions will continue because if we must return to our winning ways, then we must carry our people along—not just our leaders,” he said.
Reaffirming the party’s grassroots focus, the National Chairman declared that “our strength lies not in the who-is-who in our party, but in our large membership at the grassroots,” adding that “it is our desire to take this party back to the people.”
Turaki acknowledged past mistakes and appealed to Nigerians for renewed trust.
“We made mistakes, but we are waking up from the slumber. We are now ready to correct those mistakes. We call on Nigerians to trust us again,” he said.
He assured party members and the public that internal processes would be transparent under the new leadership.
“In PDP today, there will be no more impunity, no more imposition, and no more cutting of corners. Every process will be carried out fairly and honestly,” Turaki pledged.
Expressing confidence in the party’s electoral prospects, he said the PDP was prepared to win the upcoming governorship elections and reclaim power in 2027.
“We are prepared to win the Ekiti governorship election, the Osun governorship election, and by the grace of God, all the general elections in 2027,” he said.
Both leaders urged party members to remain steadfast and committed, while soliciting prayers and support for the task ahead.