By our correspondant
The two factional leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) at the weekend assured Nigerians that the party remains focused, united, and committed to its role as the leading opposition, despite ongoing internal disagreements.
Speaking separately after a meeting convened by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Abuja, PDP National Chairman, Tanimu Turaki, and embattled National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, reaffirmed their determination to strengthen the party and prepare new strategies ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Turaki told journalists: “We want to assure Nigerians and indeed our party members that we are on course. We shall continue to remain on course by the special grace of God.”
He explained that the meeting was held at INEC’s invitation to address the lingering leadership crisis within the party. According to him, while his National Working Committee (NWC) attended, they discovered that some expelled PDP members were also invited, leading to discussions with both sides.
Turaki noted that INEC acknowledged some matters were already before the Court of Appeal and therefore could not act as a court of jurisdiction. However, the commission promised to take the issues seriously and respond appropriately.
He stressed that under his leadership, the PDP would continue to hold government accountable, uphold best practices, and address national challenges. He commended INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, for giving both factions a fair hearing, describing the move as proper and necessary to avoid jeopardising PDP’s participation in upcoming elections in the FCT, Ekiti, and Osun.
Turaki added: “Conducting an election without the participation of a major opposition party will cast a dark shadow on the process. It is in Nigeria’s best interest for INEC to hold similar meetings with other political parties facing internal crises.”
On his part, Anyanwu, who leads the faction backed by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, insisted that the PDP would not disappoint Nigerians.
“The PDP is still PDP. We remain PDP. Nigerians know that PDP has mechanisms for managing internal crises. We will come out stronger. Nigerians want PDP, and we will not disappoint them,” he said.
Anyanwu, however, maintained that the court had disqualified the convention that produced the Turaki-led executive. He commended INEC for its intervention, saying the commission had shown genuine interest in ensuring PDP continues to function as Nigeria’s major opposition party.
He added that both factions highlighted the root causes of the crisis, which he attributed to greed, ambition, and ego. He urged party members to embrace reconciliation through the National Caretaker Committee.
Earlier, INEC Chairman Amupitan explained that the meeting became necessary due to conflicting correspondences received from both factions of the PDP leadership.
