The Tanimu Turaki-led National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Wednesday confirmed the commencement of a fresh reconciliation process aimed at uniting aggrieved factions within the party.
In a statement he personally signed, Turaki, whose group is backed by party governors, said leaders are exploring various pathways towards a lasting resolution.
He urged supporters to tone down high-tempered communications while assuring all aspirants that the party will field candidates for elective positions.
“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. We urge our supporters across the board to immediately de-escalate high-tempered communications and actions, so as not to jeopardise the ongoing peace efforts.
“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, in compliance with Article 6(2) of the Constitution of the PDP (as amended in 2017),” Turaki said.
He also thanked Nigerians who have continued to show interest in the party and have registered on its platform, noting that despite challenges facing the PDP, its supporters remain steadfast.
“We also sincerely appreciate Nigerians across the country who have continued to show interest in our party and have registered via our e-registration platform, http://iampdp.org. Despite recent challenges, the faith of our core supporters remains unshaken. It is for them that we are making every effort to resolve the issues before us.
“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. As Nigeria’s only surviving legacy party in the current republic, with the rare privilege of having led this country for 16 years, we remain committed to defending and consolidating our democracy, even as an opposition party.”
Turaki reminded those in authority that they are delegates of the people and must ensure their actions align with the will of the people.
“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.”
He also passed a vote of confidence on party governors for their resilience and steadfastness.
“Before I conclude, let me convey the NWC’s unanimous vote of confidence passed on Governors Bala Mohammed and Seyi Makinde for their resilience and steadfast leadership in the face of recent challenges.
“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,” Turaki stated.
