The Board of Trustees (BoT) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has moved decisively to address the escalating internal disputes threatening the party’s unity. During a crucial 79th meeting held at the PDP National Secretariat in Abuja, the BoT announced the formation of a high-level committee to resolve the contentious leadership wrangles surrounding the position of National Secretary.
The committee, to be led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, is expected to mediate the ongoing dispute, which has caused significant friction within the party’s National Working Committee (NWC). The BoT’s move comes amid growing concerns about the deepening divisions within the PDP, which have become a matter of national interest as the party prepares for the 2027 general elections.
Cracks in the Party: Urgent Measures to Restore Stability
In a 10-point communiqué issued after the meeting, Senator Adolphus Wabara, Chairman of the BoT, stressed the gravity of the situation. Wabara, who read the statement to the press, highlighted the damaging effects of the unresolved conflicts within the party’s NWC, which have led to public disputes and defections to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
“The current internal conflicts have begun to erode the credibility of the party,” Wabara said, urging party leaders to prioritize the stability of the PDP over personal or sectional interests. “If these issues are not addressed urgently, they could irreparably harm the unity that is essential for our success.”
The BoT also took the opportunity to call for a National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in February 2025. This meeting will be an essential platform to address a range of pressing party matters, including the ongoing leadership disputes and the preparation for upcoming Zonal Congresses.
A Call for Unity and Discipline
Unity, discipline, and cohesion were central themes of the BoT’s statement. The leadership body issued a clarion call for PDP members to shelve personal grievances and work towards strengthening the party ahead of the 2027 elections. The committee’s formation signals a clear attempt to restore discipline and order within the PDP’s ranks, ensuring that the party can regain its status as a formidable political force.
The BoT emphasized that the PDP’s strength lies in its ability to unite diverse voices and interests within the party. “The PDP remains the hope of Nigerians. It is our responsibility to ensure that the party becomes the true voice of the people once again,” Senator Wabara remarked.
The committee led by Turaki will play a critical role in mediating the power struggle over the National Secretary’s position, which has been one of the key points of contention within the NWC. The BoT expressed hope that this initiative would lead to a lasting resolution, enabling the party to move forward united and focused on its political agenda.
Criticism of the APC’s Governance
In addition to addressing internal party issues, the BoT also turned its attention to the APC-led government, which it accused of mismanaging the country’s economic and security challenges. The communiqué decried the APC’s handling of multiple taxation policies, rising fuel prices, and increasing tariffs on essential services such as electricity and telecommunications.
“The APC administration has failed to demonstrate the patriotism, competence, and innovative leadership necessary to harness Nigeria’s vast resources for the benefit of the people,” the BoT stated. “The country is grappling with escalating costs of living, unemployment, and widespread insecurity. We call for an immediate reversal of harmful policies that have worsened the situation.”
The BoT also warned that the APC’s inability to address the nation’s pressing challenges would have far-reaching consequences for Nigeria’s future. By contrast, the PDP positioned itself as a better alternative, ready to restore hope to the people if given the opportunity to lead.
Restoring Credibility: PDP’s Path Forward
As the party continues to grapple with the fallout from defections to the APC, PDP leaders are hoping that the BoT’s recent actions will mark a turning point in the party’s trajectory. The upcoming Zonal Congresses are seen as a critical moment for the PDP to reaffirm its commitment to transparent and democratic processes, ensuring that capable leaders rise to positions of responsibility.
Senator Wabara, speaking on behalf of the BoT, urged party members to actively engage in the rebuilding process. “We must remind ourselves that internal conflicts, when left unresolved, weaken our collective strength. The PDP cannot afford to be distracted by infighting,” he said. “This is a time for all hands to be on deck to reposition the party for success.”
With the 2027 general elections on the horizon, the PDP’s leadership is under intense pressure to demonstrate its readiness to present a credible challenge to the ruling APC. The party has already begun to focus on rebuilding its fractured structure, and the committee’s formation is seen as a first step in that direction.
The Road Ahead: A Test of Leadership
The coming months will test the BoT’s ability to mediate the ongoing disputes and chart a path forward for the PDP. The party faces the dual challenge of overcoming internal disarray while simultaneously offering a viable alternative to the APC’s governance.
PDP supporters are keenly watching the developments, hoping that the leadership crisis will soon be resolved, and the party can regain its former glory. “We want a united PDP, one that can stand strong against the APC,” said a party supporter, speaking on condition of anonymity. “This is a crucial moment for the party. If the leadership fails now, it will be a long time before we can recover.”
