THE warring factions in the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) appear to be ready for the resolution of the crisis rocking the party since the conduct of the 2023 general election. Indications to this emerged on Wednesday, as leaders from both camps expressed optimism over the ongoing efforts at finding a lasting solution to the feud.
National chairman of the Governor Seyi Makinde-backed faction of the party, Taminu Turaki, in a statement tagged: “Hope is not lost,” at a press conference in Abuja, confirmed that leaders from both sides have “broken the ice and are exploring various pathways towards a lasting solution.”
This is just as the Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyensom Wike, also noted that there was no faction in the party, declaring that reconciliation is still possible.However, Turaki said his side tried to comply with the advice given by the Court of Appeal, Ibadan Division that parties in the crisis should explore reconciliation to save the PDP from further strife and provide a platform for aspirants to seek elective offices in the coming elections.
According to him, the Board of Trustees of the party, ably led by His Excellency, Senator Adolphus Wabara, GCON, constituted a high-powered committee to interface with our estranged party members, with a view to resolving outstanding issues and repositioning the party for the elections.
“In furtherance of this, the National Working Committee immediately issued a notice postponing the National Executive Committee and National Caucus meetings earlier scheduled to be held two days later, as a demonstration of good faith. We also de-escalated combative communication on all fronts.
“While we expected a reciprocal gesture, what we have witnessed instead is the weaponisation of hurtful rhetoric and the issuance of derogatory statements.Notwithstanding, we remain mindful of the far-reaching implications of this dispute, particularly within the tight timelines of the extant Electoral Act.
“We, therefore, call on the leadership of the other group to act in the overall interest of our numerous party members who look to our platform to pursue elective offices.
“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.”
Turaki, however, lauded PDP members and Nigerians that have taken interest in the party, adding “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.
He also said the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party had unanimously passed vote of confidence in Governors Bala Mohammed, and Seyi Makinde for their resilience and steadfast leadership in the face of recent challenges.
He reassured 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”.
Also speaking on Wednesday after inspecting ongoing and completed projects across the nation’s capital, Abuja, Wike dismissed claims of division, insisting that the party remains united ahead of its national convention.
The minister said there is no faction within the PDP, just as he noted that only a few individuals may have grievances.
He added that reconciliation efforts could still continue alongside preparations for the party’s convention.
He said: “I don’t know which camp you are talking about. There is only one PDP. Some individuals may not be happy, yes, but there is no faction, that there is convention does not mean there will be no reconciliation. Everything has its own time,”Earlier during the inspection, Wike said the FCT Administration remained committed to monitoring projects to ensure quality delivery and timely completion, saying that the bridge project near the Fire Service was nearing completion, with contractors assuring delivery within the next five months.
“In our usual programme, we make sure we go round to see what the contractors are doing and the quality of jobs they will hand over. From what we have seen, it is a very quality job. I commend the company,” he added.
The minister also confirmed that the N5 road project handled by Julius Berger has been fully completed and is scheduled for inauguration during President
Bola Tinubu’s third anniversary.
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