ABUJA — The Board of Trustees (BoT) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has called on party members to embrace forgiveness, dialogue, and unity to resolve the internal crisis threatening its cohesion.
Speaking at the party’s 99th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in Abuja on Tuesday, BoT Chairman Senator Adolphus Wabara emphasized the importance of putting the party’s collective interests above personal ambitions and grievances.
“No ambition, grievance, or misunderstanding should ever be allowed to override the collective interests of the party and the hopes of Nigerians yearning for the PDP to return to national leadership,” Wabara said.
He acknowledged the PDP’s turbulent journey, marked by internal and external challenges—many of which he described as self-inflicted—but praised the resilience of the party’s structures and the loyalty of millions of Nigerians who still see it as a platform for national transformation.
Wabara admitted there was still much work to be done, especially in addressing internal divisions, mistrust, and grievances. He urged leaders and stakeholders to pursue reconciliation as a moral duty, not just a political strategy.
“As chairman of the board of trustees, the conscience of the party, I call on all of us—leaders, elders, youths, and stakeholders—to embrace reconciliation,” he said. “We must open our hearts to forgive, to dialogue, and to debate.”
Wabara also stressed the need for the PDP to remain open to fresh ideas, new members, and Nigerians who believe in justice, equity, and good governance. He called for the strengthening of internal democracy and communication, while prioritizing policies that impact ordinary citizens.
“Let this 99th meeting be remembered as a turning point—where we chose unity over division, hope over despair, and service over self-interest,” he urged.
Bauchi State Governor and Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum, Bala Mohammed, also addressed the meeting, expressing confidence that defected PDP governors who joined the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) would return.
“This is not the first time people left PDP and came back. I’m sure they will return,” Mohammed said, reaffirming the forum’s commitment to the party’s ideals despite political pressures.
Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro echoed similar sentiments, pledging the National Caucus’ support to rebuild the party’s strength. He downplayed fears of collapse due to recent defections, noting that such setbacks could ultimately make the party stronger.
“While the defection of very senior members of the party might be a temporary setback, we believe that PDP, with its ideas, will definitely be the party to beat, even in 2027,” Moro said.
