PDP ready for reconciliation – Turaki

…As groups work behind the scene to restore peace
…Says “All cases will be withdrawn from Courts”
…Assures “Party will not die” 

There are indications that factions of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are moving closer to reconciliation following a bitter rivalry that has weakened the party’s prospects of fielding candidates for the 2027 general elections.

​Tanimu Turaki, who was elected national chairman at a controversial convention held in Ibadan in November last year, stated on Tuesday that his National Working Committee (NWC) is working to reach an agreement with the group led by Nyesom Wike over the party’s leadership struggle.

​…As groups work behind the scene to restore peace

​BusinessDay sources within the party revealed that leaders from both groups met in the early hours of Wednesday and reached a “temporary working agreement”. They were subsequently asked to hold further consultative meetings with their respective members.

​”I can assure you that within the next few days, both the Nyesom Wike group and the other factions will shift ground to enable the party to broker much-needed peace,” the source said.

​BusinessDay further gathered that if the peace pact is successful, the Wike group may not need to hold its elective convention, which was slated for this weekend at the Velodrome of the National Stadium in Abuja. Turaki confirmed this position on Wednesday.

​…Says “All cases will be withdrawn from Courts”

​Addressing journalists in Abuja after a two-day meeting with members of his group, Turaki vowed that his faction is ready “to bend back, as much as our necks and backs will allow, to achieve peace”.

​”We have hope and confidence that we can still work together,” Turaki said. “In life, there are times to fight and there are also times to make peace. But even when you choose to go to war and win, you still need to win the peace. If you have a pathway to winning the peace without necessarily going to war, why not take it?”

​Turaki explained that the parties have agreed to sideline those he described as “toxic people” within the party who are bent on its destruction. He noted that these elements were identified and “flushed out” during discussions between the two sides on Tuesday night.​

Regarding ongoing litigation, Turaki noted that cases remain active in the Federal High Court, the Court of Appeal, and the Supreme Court. however, he emphasised that the best path forward is a settlement.

​”As a senior lawyer, I can say that the best judges would advise parties to explore out-of-court settlements whenever possible,” Turaki said. “We have chosen the path of peace in the overall interest of party members, particularly our teeming supporters who want the PDP to remain an effective platform for the forthcoming elections.”

​He assured that once agreeable terms are reached, the factions are willing to withdraw all legal cases to give peace a chance. “PDP will not die,” he added.

​Says party will not die

​Turaki assured supporters that everything possible would be done to ensure the reconciliation works, noting that issues such as convention attendance are currently on the table for deliberation.

​”I want to assure you that something unique about the PDP is our resilience,” Turaki said. “We have internal shock absorbers that allow us to resolve differences in a family manner. For the PDP to have survived as the only legacy party since 1990 demonstrates something special about us.”

​However, Turaki cautioned the opposing group to de-escalate tensions by avoiding provocative statements. He noted that while his side had reduced combative communication, they had recently witnessed a “weaponisation of hurtful rhetoric” from others.

​Turaki urged supporters to cease high-tempered communications to avoid jeopardising the peace efforts. He also sought to reassure those wishing to run for elective offices that their aspirations remain valid despite the recent turbulence.

​”To all aspirants who have stood with us thus far, we assure you that our party will field candidates for all elective offices, in compliance with Article 6(2) of the PDP constitution,” Turaki concluded.