‘Both sides have broken the ice’ — Turaki says PDP factions moving towards reconciliation

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), under the leadership of Kabiru Turaki, has announced the commencement of reconciliation efforts with the faction aligned with Nyesom Wike, minister of the Federal Capital Territory.

Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Wednesday, Turaki said the move followed guidance from the court of appeal in Ibadan, Oyo State, which encouraged all parties involved in the dispute to pursue a peaceful resolution.

He disclosed that the PDP board of trustees (BoT), led by Adolphus Wabara, had set up a committee to engage aggrieved members and address the lingering issues within the party.

Turaki added that the national working committee (NWC) postponed the national executive committee (NEC) and national caucus meetings as a show of goodwill aimed at easing tensions.

However, he expressed concern that the gesture had not been reciprocated, alleging that the opposing faction continued to issue “derogatory statements” that escalated the crisis.

Despite this, he confirmed that both camps have now “broken the ice” and are working towards resolving their differences ahead of the 2027 elections.

“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,” he said.

Turaki urged party members and supporters to refrain from inflammatory comments that could jeopardise the reconciliation process.

He also assured party aspirants that the PDP would present candidates for all elective positions in line with its constitution.

“To all aspirants who have stood with us thus far, we assure you that, by the grace of God, our party will field candidates for all elective offices,” the senior advocate of Nigeria (SAN) said.

According to him, the party remains mindful of timelines outlined in the Electoral Act and is committed to resolving its internal crisis without affecting its electoral participation.

Turaki commended Nigerians registering on the party’s e-platform, describing it as a sign of sustained public confidence in the PDP, which he called a “legacy party” dedicated to strengthening democracy through credible opposition.

He further revealed that the NWC had passed a vote of confidence on Bala Mohammed, governor of Bauchi, and Seyi Makinde, governor of Oyo, for their leadership during the crisis.

Earlier this month, the appeal court in Abuja nullified the PDP national convention held on November 15 and 16, 2025, in Ibadan. The court upheld an earlier ruling by a federal high court that restrained the party from conducting the convention, which had been organised by the faction backed by Makinde and Mohammed.