PDP factions assure Nigerians party will remain strong, unite amid leadership crisis
Leaders of the two warring factions of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Friday assured Nigerians that the party remains on course and will not disappoint citizens, following a high-level meeting with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Abuja.
National Chairman of the party, Tanimu Turaki, speaking after the meeting, emphasised that the discussions were held to resolve the lingering leadership dispute within the PDP.
He confirmed that while his National Working Committee (NWC) attended the meeting, some former members who had previously been expelled were also present.
“We want to assure Nigerians and indeed our party members that we are on course.
” By the special grace of God, we shall continue to remain on course,” Turaki said.
He noted that while some matters are before the Court of Appeal, INEC’s role is not that of a court, but the commission promised to consider the issues raised seriously.
Turaki highlighted that the meeting was crucial not only to resolve the PDP’s internal conflict but also to ensure the credibility of upcoming elections in the Federal Capital Territory, Ekiti, and Osun.
He commended INEC Chairman Prof. Joash Amupitan and his team for giving both sides a fair hearing, even though the commission was aware of the party’s authentic leadership.
Similarly, PDP National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, speaking on behalf of the faction aligned with Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, reassured Nigerians that the party would emerge stronger.
“The PDP is still PDP. Nigerians want PDP, and we are not going to disappoint them,” Anyanwu said.
He, however, insisted that the court had disqualified the convention that produced the Turaki-led executive.
Both leaders praised INEC for facilitating dialogue and emphasized the importance of reconciliation within the party.
Anyanwu noted that the internal crisis stemmed from issues of greed, ambition, and ego, but affirmed that party members were committed to resolving conflicts within the framework of the law and the party constitution.
The meeting, according to INEC, was necessary due to conflicting correspondences received from both factions regarding the PDP leadership. Both Turaki and Anyanwu expressed readiness to continue working towards peace and unity within the party.
