The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) convened a crucial reconciliation meeting at its party headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday in an effort to address internal conflicts that arose from the recent general elections. However, notable absentees from the meeting were PDP presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar and the group of five Governors (G-5) led by Nyesom Wike of Rivers State, who collaborated with the All Progressives Congress (APC) against Atiku and the PDP.
The meeting, presided over by acting National Chairman Ambassador Iliya Damagum, brought together over 180 party chieftains. The gathering aimed to review the party’s performance in the 2023 elections and chart a path forward. Despite the absence of key figures such as Atiku and the G-5, Damagum emphasized that the meeting was an opportunity to assess the election outcome and exchange ideas on strengthening the party to face future challenges.
Damagum highlighted the previous discussions held with National Ex-officio members, state chairmen, select Board of Trustees (BoT) members, and National Assembly representatives. He explained that the current meeting was a continuation of those discussions, acknowledging the need to include not only the party’s founding fathers but also those who had contributed significantly over the party’s existence.
Emphasizing the importance of constructive dialogue, Damagum urged participants to be mindful of their words and to avoid exacerbating existing tensions. He emphasized that everyone present shared a common goal of working for the party’s well-being and unity.
PDP National Organizing Secretary Umar Bature clarified that the purpose of the meeting was to alleviate the tensions resulting from the elections. He dismissed suggestions to suspend erring members, emphasizing that disciplinary measures were not the solution to resolving the crisis. Bature expressed confidence that the PDP would secure favorable outcomes in ongoing election tribunal cases, which could result in the party gaining five more states.
Former Senate President and Chairman of the PDP BoT, Adolphus Wabara, commended party members for their unwavering faith and urged caution in their deliberations. He stressed the need to avoid statements that could be detrimental to the party’s position in court, as legal proceedings were still ongoing.
While the meeting aimed to foster reconciliation, the absence of key figures and the underlying tensions within the party indicate that significant challenges lie ahead for the PDP as it seeks to overcome internal divisions and regain lost ground.
