A factional National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Tanimu Turaki, has reassured members and supporters that the party’s leadership is making every effort to ensure its presence on the ballot in the 2027 general elections.
Turaki gave this assurance on Friday in Abuja during his opening remarks at the 103rd National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of his faction of the party.
He acknowledged the lingering leadership crisis but maintained that all hope is not lost, stressing that the leadership remains committed to preserving the PDP as a strong political platform for aspirants.
“It is my pleasure to also inform us that the leadership is assiduously working around the clock to ensure that PDP remains a veritable platform for all our members wishing to contest for elections, both in 2027 and beyond.
“We feel that to whom much is given, much is expected. The support, the cooperation, the solidarity of members of National Working Committee (NWC) and indeed other leaders of this party is so humongous.
“It is overbearing to us that our irreducible minimum responsibility for all of you is to ensure that we keep PDP not only afloat, but in a state where we will contest and win elections, and by the special grace of God, come back into government at the centre in 2027,” he said.
Turaki revealed that the NEC meeting was deliberately delayed to allow the leadership properly assess ongoing developments both within and outside the courtroom concerning the party’s internal disputes.
According to him, this approach would enable leaders to provide members with accurate updates and guide them in making informed decisions aimed at strengthening the party and safeguarding Nigeria’s democracy.
He further described the PDP as the “only surviving legacy party in Nigeria today,” adding that the leadership remains focused on preserving its structure and relevance.
Addressing concerns over defections, Turaki insisted that the exit of prominent figures, including former presidents, vice-presidents, and governors, would not threaten the party’s existence.
“PDP will continue to exist because it has become an institution as far as democracy in Nigeria is concerned.
“Nobody and no group of people can stand up and say, ‘This is our party.’ That is why despite the loss of members, it has not affected the survival of this party,” he said.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Adolphus Wabara, urged members to remain steadfast as the party awaits a formal report from a reconciliation committee headed by Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde.
Wabara criticised members defecting to other political parties, describing them as individuals with “weak belief,” adding that “He who laughs last laughs best.”
The PDP House of Representatives Caucus Leader, Fred Agbedi, also expressed confidence in the party’s resilience, assuring that lawmakers who remain are committed to defending its interests.
“When the war gets tough, it’s only the tough that keeps going,” Agbedi said.
He urged party members not to succumb to financial inducements, stressing the need for unity as the PDP prepares to challenge its opponents.
Similarly, Chairman of PDP State Chairmen, Tony Azigbemi, speaking on behalf of 28 state chairmen, reaffirmed their loyalty to Turaki’s leadership.
He described the internal crisis as a battle between “light and darkness” and criticised what he termed the unilateral appointment of national officers by certain individuals.
“One man cannot sit in his bedroom and write the names of members of the National Caretaker Committee. We will stick with this leadership, no matter what is thrown at us,” Azigbemi said.
What you should know
The crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party revolves around competing leadership factions and disagreements over control of party structures ahead of the 2027 elections.
Tanimu Turaki leads one faction, while another bloc backed by influential figures continues to challenge his authority.
Despite defections and internal disputes, party leaders insist the PDP remains a strong political institution. Ongoing reconciliation efforts, including a committee led by Seyi Makinde, are expected to determine the party’s unity and readiness to compete effectively in future elections.
