Senator Adolphus Wabara, Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party’s Board of Trustees, has reassured members about the party’s resilience. He declared the opposition party will overcome its current crisis, comparing the PDP to “a cat with nine lives.”

Court Ruling Triggers Internal Conflict

This reassurance follows a Court of Appeal judgment nullifying PDP’s planned National Convention. The event was scheduled for mid-November in Ibadan. The ruling sparked renewed factional conflicts within the party.

Factions supporting Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum and suspended National Secretary Senator Samuel Anyanwu exchanged suspensions. Damagum’s National Working Committee suspended Anyanwu and three others. Anyanwu’s faction retaliated by suspending Damagum and four NWC members. This escalation deepened leadership tensions ahead of the convention.

“PDP Has Nine Lives” – Wabara

Addressing the crisis at a BoT meeting, Wabara stated: “This party can be likened to the cat. The cat has nine lives. PDP has nine lives. We are rising and will overcome.” He emphasized the BoT’s commitment to mediate between factions and restore unity.

Wabara noted the party’s foundation on justice and fairness. He acknowledged recent detentions and public disputes deviate from PDP’s ideals. These incidents had caused concern among members. However, he dismissed suggestions of the party’s decline.

“We have survived trials before,” Wabara asserted. “The PDP remains Nigeria’s only truly national party.” He stressed internal disagreements reflect democratic processes. The chairman expressed confidence in the party’s resurgence despite leadership rivalries and legal challenges.

Amid concerns about PDP’s stability before 2027 elections, party elders remain optimistic. They believe reconciliation efforts will strengthen Nigeria’s main opposition platform.