Fresh efforts to resolve the lingering leadership crisis in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have taken a dramatic turn, with National Chairman Tanimu Turaki revealing that individuals working against reconciliation within the party have been identified and sidelined.
“I am not saying there are no good elements on both sides whose sole intention is to prevent peace in this country. I am saying there are some people fighting so that this party will go down. From last night, these two elements have been identified and flushed out in the discussions between the two sides,” Turaki revealed this at press conference yesterday.
The development comes as factions loyal to Turaki and those aligned with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, resumed direct peace talks in a renewed bid to end months of internal wrangling that has polarised the opposition party since late last year.
Turaki confirmed that both sides have now “broken the ice” and are actively exploring options to resolve the dispute without further escalation.
“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.”
Sources within the party disclosed that the renewed talks were initiated after both camps agreed to bypass intermediaries and engage directly, amid concerns that some actors were complicating reconciliation efforts.
Another source confirmed that key stakeholders, including Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, have initiated contact with Wike, with a meeting expected as part of efforts to resolve contentious issues.
Despite the renewed optimism, the crisis, sparked by disputes following the party’s controversial convention in Ibadan, remains unresolved. The convention, which produced a National Working Committee led by Turaki, was later nullified by the Court of Appeal in Abuja, while a parallel caretaker committee backed by Wike’s allies continues to operate.
Turaki, however, signalled a willingness to make concessions in the interest of unity.
“We have hope and confidence that we can still work together. We have confidence that in life there are times to fight and there are also times to make peace. But even when you choose to fight and go to war and win the war, you also need to win the peace.”
“So, if you have a pathway to winning the peace without necessarily going to war, why not take peace and forgo the war?”
He added that once agreements are reached, all pending legal battles over the leadership tussle would be withdrawn.
“As I speak, there are cases filed by both parties, including appeals at the Court of Appeal. Some appeals have been filed by them, others by us, though some have not been taken… As soon as we reach agreeable terms, which we will honor, we will willingly withdraw all cases, whether at the Federal High Court, Court of Appeal, Supreme Court, or elsewhere,to give peace a chance.”
On the controversial convention planned by the caretaker committee, Turaki said the matter remains under discussion.
“Issues such as attendance at the convention are among those to be discussed. Once these matters are deliberated, the parties and delegates will decide whether the convention needs to continue.”
Reaffirming confidence in the party’s resilience, he insisted the PDP would survive the crisis.
“On the issue of compromise, we are willing to bend as far as our necks and backs allow. We are ready to make all sorts of sacrifices in the overall interest of the party. PDP will not die. Everything possible will be done to make this reconciliation work; nothing is impossible.”
