By Onyeche Igwe
The Board of Trustees of the Peoples Democratic Party has instructed party members to appear before the disciplinary and reconciliation committee when called upon.
The PDP BoT Chairman, Adolphus Wabara, who stated this during the board’s meeting in Abuja on Thursday, also declared that there were discrepancies in the party State Congresses conducted recently, adding that it was essential to address them.
The PDP has been experiencing internal conflict since the 2023 elections.
Following Iyorchia Ayu’s removal by a court, Umar Damagum became the acting National Chairman, but stakeholders have criticised him for failing to implement necessary reforms.
The State Congresses held in August and September were also marked by crises.
Tensions escalated when the Damagum-led National Working Committee handed control of the Rivers State structure to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, who is having a running political crisis with the Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara.
In response to the various crises rocking the party, the PDP National Working Committee, on August 21, established the Reconciliation Committee and the Disciplinary Committee, chaired by former Osun State Governor, Olagunsoye Oyinlola and a former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Tom Ikimi, respectively.
Speaking at the Thursday meeting in Abuja, the BoT Chairman called on party members to cooperate with the Oyinlola and Ikimi panels in order to ensure the unity and future success of the party.
Wabara stated, “I implore any member invited by the reconciliation committee, including the disciplinary committee, to submit himself or herself because the party is supreme.
We are one family, except we want to completely encourage and support the ruling party to turn Nigeria into a one-party state, and I think we are almost there.”
Wabara praised the efforts of Oyinlola and Ikimi’s committees, urging them to understand that the challenges ahead were crucial for the PDP’s future.
He said, “I want to remind the committee that they have a huge task, task ahead, and as the BoT, we will stand ready to lend a hand whenever needed. It is part of our responsibility to foster peace and unity among the members of our party, and we are always available to support these efforts. Constitutionality and the rule of law should be the guiding principles of the committee. The committee cannot go wrong with these principles.
“After all, Honorable Wike has even alluded to this principle recently on national television. He said that the way forward is to follow the constitution and the rule of law. So we really thank him for that and hope that the committee will ride on this and achieve unity in this party.
“At this critical juncture in our party’s trajectory, I believe it is imperative, and I believe I’m speaking the minds of my colleagues in the board that we convene a meeting of the National Executive Council Committee NEC as scheduled for the 24th of October this year. This will allow us to address pressing matters and strategise on the way forward for the PDP, especially as we gear up for future elections and prepare to strengthen our internal structures.
“However, as we continue on this journey, let us remember that the future of our party and indeed our country depends on the unity, integrity and hard work of each of us. The PDP remains the beacon of hope for millions of Nigerians, and it is our duty to ensure that we remain true to the principles upon which this great party was founded.”
Waraba expressed concerned about certain discrepancies were reported during the PDP recent state congresses, emphasising the need to make amends.
“The Board of Trustees has also received reports that in some states, these congresses were not conducted in full accordance with the guidelines of our great party. In some instances, the congresses did not even hold as scheduled.
“These discrepancies are of serious concern and it is essential that we address them immediately. Therefore, we are calling on the National Working Committee to ensure that these issues are swiftly resolved. It is crucial that any deviations from PDP guidelines are corrected, and where congresses did not hold new dates should be scheduled to ensure all all party members have a fair and transparent opportunity to participate in the democratic process.
“While we celebrate our achievements, we must also acknowledge that the strength of our party lies in our ability to resolve internal conflicts. As we know, a divided house cannot stand, and it is our collective responsibility to ensure that any issues or disputes within the party are addressed with diplomacy, sacrifice, patience and an unwavering commitment to unity.”
In his comments, the PDP acting National Chairman, Damagum, expressed concern over the situation in Nigeria and thanked the BoT for coming together despite the challenges.
He said, “Let me use this opportunity to welcome you all as we gather to discuss the growth and matters concerning our party today. I know it has not been easy; things are difficult, but all the same, you found it appropriate, because of your love for this party, to be here this morning.”
