Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Board of Trustees (BoT) has declared that 2027 presidential election will be Nigerians versus failed government and not about defections or propaganda.
The BoT, which also called on aggrieved members to sheath their swords and return to the party, added that PDP is the credible alternative to the current state of affairs in the country.
Speaking during the 83rd meeting of the BoT on Wednesday in Abuja, the Chairman of BoT, Sen. Adolphus Wabara congratulated the PDP on the successful conduct of its National Convention, adding that the convention was a clear demonstration of “our party’s enduring commitment to internal democracy, transparency, and constitutional order. It once again reaffirmed the PDP as the most organized, resilient, and people-oriented political party in Nigeria
“I particularly congratulate the newly elected National Working Committee, ably led by Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, SAN. On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I extend our full support to this leadership. From the early days of their tenure, the signs are clear the party is being repositioned, structures are being strengthened, and confidence is being restored across the federation. These are giant strides that give hope not just to party members, but to millions of Nigerians who look to the PDP as the credible alternative to the current state of affairs.
“However, as we celebrate progress, we must also embrace unity. This is a moment that calls for reconciliation and healing. I appeal to all aggrieved members, at every level of our party, to sheath their swords and return fully to the PDP family. Nigerians today are confronted with unprecedented hardship, rising insecurity, economic uncertainty. and a loss of faith in governance under the APC-led government. At such a time, the PDP must not be divided; we must stand together as a united force, ready to rescue our nation.
“Let me also address the issue of recent defections Our party members should not be fazed or discouraged. History has shown that the strength of the PDP does not lie in fleeting political movements, but in its deep-rooted connection with the Nigerian people. The 2027 elections will not be about defections or propaganda, they will be about the Nigerian people versus a failed government. And when that day comes, the PDP will stand firmly on the side of the people.
“I urge all members to remain steadfast, loyal, and committed to the ideals upon which our party was founded. The task before us is great, but our resolve must be greater. Together, united and focused, the PDP will once again rise to lead Nigeria toward peace, prosperity, and inclusive governance.”
Also speaking, the National Chairman of PDP, Tanimu Turaki agreed that the National Working Committee (NWC), which he led is shouldered with heavy responsibility.
He said: “From day one, we’ve never been under any illusion as to the quantum of the responsibility that you placed on our shoulders. PDP is the largest party, not only in Nigeria, but in Africa.
“We’ve had a lot of ups and downs. We fought ourselves and we fought each other. Other people fought us from within and from without.”
Calling for peace in the party, Turaki said: “Now, it is time for peace and like you stated, Your Excellency, Mr. Chairman, one of the cardinal principles that we intend to pursue under our leadership is the issue of reconciliation. We believe that there is no dispute, there is no disagreement, there is no misunderstanding that is irreconcilable, provided there is common objective and common will to grow and strengthen the party.
“It has been our desire since day one to go and have critical discussions, not only with our founding fathers and mothers, not only with past leaders whom this party had given opportunity to take responsibilities of leading this country, whether at the national level or at the sub-national level.
“In this regard, it’s my pleasure to inform the Board of Trustees that we’ve had an interface with former military President, Ibrahim Babangida, who is still a member of this party. We’ve had discussions with General T. Y. Danjuma. We’ve visited President Obasanjo, who was the first President elected on the platform of this party.
“We’ve had very deep discussions with the National Assembly members of this party. We’ve met and discussed with the Forum of State Chairman. We’ve met and discussed with national and ex-official members of this party. And yesterday, we had an interface with former ministers and former governors produced by this party.
“These interactive discussions will continue because we believe that if we must come back to our winning ways as a serious-minded political party, then we must carry our people along, not just our leaders.
“For us in PDP, every person matters because our strength lies not in the who and who that is in our party, but in the large membership that we have at the grassroots. And that is why PDP is peoples democratic party. And if this is a party that belongs to the people, then it is our desire, Your Excellencies, distinguished ladies and gentlemen, to take this party back to the people. I’ve said that and reiterated that henceforth, the voice of Nigerian people will count in PDP.
“We have realized the mistakes we made and we are now willing to make amends, not only with our members, but indeed with all Nigerians. And so what we are saying on behalf of the PDP family to Nigerians, you knew us, you trusted us. We made mistakes but we are waking up from the slumber. We are now ready to correct those mistakes. We call on you to trust us again.
“We call on you, Nigerians to give us that benefit of doubt and I assure you on behalf of the new leadership of this party, that we are going to do things differently. We will listen to you. We will understand your body language. And then we will do what you want.”