The Board of Trustees (BoT) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has made a passionate appeal for reconciliation, urging party members to embrace forgiveness, dialogue, and unity as the path to resolving the party’s lingering internal strife.
Speaking at the PDP’s 99th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held Tuesday in Abuja, BoT Chairman, Senator Adolphus Wabara, described the moment as pivotal for the party’s future. He called on all stakeholders to set aside personal ambitions and grievances in favour of the party’s collective mission and the aspirations of millions of Nigerians.
“No ambition, grievance, or misunderstanding should override the collective interest of our party and the hope of Nigerians who look to the PDP for national leadership,” Wabara declared.
He acknowledged the party’s turbulent journey — marred by both internal divisions and external challenges — but praised the resilience of PDP structures and the unwavering loyalty of its members across the country.
“Though we have sometimes inflicted wounds on ourselves, we have also demonstrated remarkable strength, deep-rooted ideals, and commitment to Nigeria’s democratic progress,” he noted.
Wabara emphasized that the PDP’s internal discord — including mistrust and unresolved grievances — had, at times, stalled its progress and clouded its vision. He called for genuine reconciliation, describing it as both a political necessity and a moral obligation.
“As Chairman of the Board of Trustees — the conscience of our great party — I call on leaders, elders, youths, and stakeholders to heal our wounds. We must forgive, engage in honest dialogue, and open the doors to inclusive debate,” he said.
Wabara proposed the establishment of a credible reconciliation framework led by respected party elders who can reach out to aggrieved members and bring them back into the fold.
He also encouraged the PDP to remain open to innovation, welcome new members, and recommit to the principles of justice, equity, and good governance.
“We must revitalize our internal democracy, rebuild communication structures, and champion policies that directly improve the lives of Nigerians. Let us craft a people-centred vision that transcends opposition for opposition’s sake — one that positions us as credible architects of Nigeria’s future,” he added.
Calling for a fresh beginning, Wabara urged NEC members to remember the 99th meeting as a defining moment — one where unity triumphed over division, and public service took precedence over personal interest.
Meanwhile, Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum, reaffirmed the loyalty of the PDP governors. He dismissed threats of intimidation and expressed optimism that those who had defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) would eventually return.
“This is not the first time we’ve seen defections. History has shown that many who leave always find their way back. We are confident they will return,” Governor Mohammed said.
The NEC meeting comes at a time when Nigeria’s political landscape is shifting, and PDP leaders believe the party must reposition itself as a credible alternative capable of delivering inclusive, people-driven governance.
