The leadership of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has called on its members to embrace unity, sacrifice and reconciliation as the party intensifies preparations for the 2027 general elections in Nigeria.
The appeal came during a meeting of the Board of Trustees (BoT) held in Abuja, where party elders and top executives deliberated on issues ahead of the forthcoming National Convention.
Delivering his keynote address through the BoT Secretary, Senator Ahmed Makarfi, the BoT Chairman, Senator Adolphus Wabara, emphasised that the PDP remained the hope of Nigerians who are yearning for leadership that can rescue the country.
Wabara declared that unity is not a slogan but the very foundation of political survival.
“Our strength has always been drawn from our diversity, our ability to disagree without division, and to reconcile in the interest of the greater good. As elders, leaders and members of the party, we must once again rise to that standard,” he said.
Acknowledging the difficult political terrain, Wabara urged members to embrace selflessness in their quest to reclaim power in 2027.
“Reclaiming victory will demand more than rhetoric. It will demand sacrifice in exchange for the collective interest of the party and, more importantly, the Nigerian people. They look unto the PDP to bring succour, restore hope, and offer leadership that heals,” he said.
Reconciliation and Inclusion
On reconciliation, the BoT Chairman admitted that internal disputes and grievances had driven some members away from the party in the past. However, he insisted that the time had come for genuine healing and reintegration.
“No political family thrives on endless exclusion. We must extend a hand of reconciliation, relax certain rules if necessary, and create room for genuine returnees who truly desire to rebuild with us. If we are to stand strong in 2027, we must make room for healing and fresh beginnings,” Wabara maintained.
He further revealed that preparations were already in top gear for the party’s National Convention scheduled for Ibadan, where new national officers will be elected. He described the convention as a defining moment to renew leadership and strengthen structures.
Women’s Inclusion and Affirmative Action
The Acting National Chairman of the PDP, Ambassador Umar Iliya Damagum, drew attention to recent legislative efforts to enhance women’s inclusion in politics, particularly the bill before the National Assembly seeking reserved seats for women.
He recalled that the PDP had assured the Minister of Women Affairs and the House Committee on Women Affairs of its support.
“As a party, we are proud that our constitution already enshrines a 35% affirmative action for women, but it is no longer enough to keep this on paper. Implementation is the true measure of commitment. As we move towards the convention, women must be meaningfully represented not only in committees but also in the election of national officers,” he said.
Zoning and Internal Unity in PDP
The Acting National Chairman also addressed the issue of zoning, describing it as a stabilising principle that has always ensured balance and fairness within the PDP.
He cautioned that mishandling the zoning arrangements could undermine confidence in the party’s internal democracy.
“The zoning question must be handled with seriousness and inclusivity. Nigerians are watching us closely, and the decisions we take will significantly influence their faith in the PDP as a fair and credible party,” Damagum warned.
Looking Ahead to 2027
Both Wabara and Damagum stressed that the PDP’s immediate task is to consolidate unity, rally around credible leadership at the Ibadan convention, and re-energise its structures nationwide.
Wabara, however, urged members to leave the meeting with renewed determination and solidarity.
“Let us write the next chapter of the PDP together. Let us march towards 2027 as one united family, ready to restore Nigeria to greatness,” he said.