2027: PDP promises credible primaries, opens door to returning defectors

Abuja: The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leadership backed by the Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, says it is set to hold credible primaries at all levels, ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The party’s National Chairman, Abdulraman Mohammed, also assured members that the primaries would produce candidates who would be endearing to Nigerians.

Mohammed commended leaders and members for their loyalty and commitment to the party, especially during its crisis period.

He said that discipline, loyalty and belief in the process had not only preserved the soul of PDP, but also repositioned it for a stronger and more purposeful future.

“Today, we gather not as a party in distress, but as a strong political institution, firmly focused on the future of PDP.

“PDP has now successfully navigated its internal challenge, and we are fully aligned with the provisions of the Constitution, the Electoral Act and all relevant guidelines as issued by the Independent National Electoral Commission.

“The era of uncertainty is behind us. The era of strategy, consolidation and electoral preparation has begun today.

“In this regard, we are on the roadmap for our nationwide party primaries.

“Let me essentially say that PDP is set to conduct transparent, credible and inclusive party primaries at all levels in strict compliance with the exstant laws and the democratic best practice.

“We have determined to produce candidates who reflect the will of our members and the aspirations of Nigerians,” he said.

Mohammed said that as Nigeria approaches the 2017 election, PDP remained committed to upholding the principles of international democracy, rule of law and equity.

He urged party members to remain focused, united and committed to the collective interests of the party above all personal interests and ambitions.

“Let this NEC meeting mark the beginning of a new chapter, defined by resilience, strategy, clarity and a purposeful leadership.

“Together we shall rebuild and re-energise and reclaim our rightful place as a leading democratic platform in Nigeria” Mohammed said.

In his remarks, the party’s Board of Trustees (BoT) Chairman, Sen. Mao Ohuabunwa, pledged the board’s support for the party.

Ohuabunwa emphasised the need for party leaders to be united, focused on strengthening PDP’s internal processes and reinforcing discipline.

He said that the task before the party leaders was to consolidate on its recently-concluded national convention, strengthen its processes and structures across all levels.

“The success of our convention must now translate into deeper cohesion. We must consciously and deliberately bridge divides, reconcile differences and bring every stakeholder into the fold.

“There is no room for exclusion. Rather, there should only be room for inclusion, understanding and collective progress.

“Our strength has always been our ability to accommodate diverse views, while maintaining a common purpose. That strength must not be compromised,” he said.

Ohuanbunwa commended the party’s ongoing membership e-registration process, describing it as an innovative effort vital in building a transparent, accountable and data-driven party structure.

Also speaking, the Senate Minority Leader, Sen. Abba Moro, said that the PDP crisis was over, noting that it was time to rebuild the party and make it stronger.

Moro, while acknowledging the presence of PDP members across the country, urged leaders to work hard to reposition the party to its winning ways.

He said that reports on the party’s e-registration revealed that PDP still remained the dominant party in Nigeria.

He reassured of the PDP senators’ commitment to rebuilding the party.

The Minority Leader, House of Representatives, Hon. Kingsley Chinda, while congratulating the new National Working Committee members, pledged the PDP lawmakers’s loyalty to the party.

Meanwhile, Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, says there is still room for those who left Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to return to the party.

Wike, the PDP national leader, stated this on Monday during the party’s 108th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held at Wadata Plaza, the party’s National Secretariat in Abuja.

He advised the Abdulrahman Mohammed-led National Working Committee (NWC) of the party to continue its reconciliation efforts to strengthen the party.

“Now we are together, we must not stop at reconciliation. The more, the merrier. It will be nonsense to say those who have defected, let them go. No.

“Chairman and your team, make sure you put up a strong committee that will still go ahead and talk to those who have defected.

“There is still room for them to come back, and whatever that is due to them, they will still have it,” he said.

Wike said that most of the defectors left because of uncertainty, adding that most politicians would find somewhere they could get succour.

“But now that the party is back and the party will be on the ballot paper, if you go and talk to them, I believe they will have a rethink and continue to support this party.

“On my own part, let me assure you I’ll continue to support the party. I’ll continue to be loyal to the party.

“Since 1998 till now, I have been a member of the PDP, and I will not leave the party. That is the truth of the matter,” he said.

On pending cases before the courts, the minister expressed confidence in the party’s lawyers saying, “they are doing a great job.

“Also, God who has led us this far can never abandon us. So, if God had wanted to abandon us, we wouldn’t have started winning, and we will continue to win by the grace of God,” he said.

Wike congratulated MWC for reclaiming Wadata Plaza, the party’s national secretariat.

“Let me congratulate you that after your inauguration, you took a bold step to make sure that we reclaim our secretariat, which is where we are sitting today.

“What shows that you are the authentic PDP is because you are holding your meeting at the national secretariat. If there’s any other PDP, let them come to the national secretariat and hold their own meeting,” he said.

Earlier, Mohammed said that PDP wanted all defected members back, adding that the party leadership was already reaching out to the aggrieved members for genuine reconciliation.

He emphasised the need for unity among PDP members, for collective survival and success of the party.

Also, the Chairman of the party’s Board of Trustees, Sen. Mao Ohuabunwa, called for genuine reconciliation, saying, “The party’s national convention had come and gone. What now remains is a united party”.