PDP Leadership Meeting in Abuja
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) convened a stakeholders’ meeting in Abuja on Thursday to assess the fallout from a recent court judgment secured by its Board of Trustees. The gathering, called by the PDP Interim National Working Committee, aimed to review current developments and map out the party’s political and legal steps ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Turaki’s Defiant Statement
Interim National Working Committee Chairman Tanimu Turaki (SAN) opened the discussion with a bold declaration: “Nobody, and I dare say, nobody can kill the PDP.” He affirmed that the party would field candidates in every contest — from the presidency down to state Houses of Assembly — in the 2027 polls.
Historical Comparison to the 2016 Crisis
Turaki likened the present turmoil to the leadership battle that engulfed the party in 2016, when a caretaker committee under former Kaduna State governor Ahmed Makarfi was installed after a protracted legal and political dispute. He characterised today’s challenges as “even a child’s play” compared with that earlier ordeal, expressing confidence that divine grace would see the party through.
Aliyu Calls for Resilience
Former Niger State governor and Board of Trustees Secretary Babangida Aliyu urged members to view the current difficulties as a test of the party’s resilience. He recalled his role in nominating Makarfi to lead the 2016 caretaker committee and criticised defectors, describing them as “fugitive, nomadic politicians” motivated solely by personal interests.
Aliyu added that integrity and perseverance remain essential for political success, stating, “If you have a clean heart, He knows it, and He will reward you at the end of the day.”
Aziegbemi Warns Against Sabotage
PDP State Chairmen’s Forum Chairman Tony Aziegbemi condemned former members who, despite having benefited from the party, are now allegedly working for its collapse. He recounted hearing someone say, “I didn’t know PDP was still existing. Make sure that you kill it,” and stressed that the party must learn from past mistakes of elevating individuals who later turned against it.
Aziegbemi also criticised the excessive accumulation of wealth by some public office holders, noting that such greed deprives roughly 60 million Nigerians of basic sustenance. He urged members not to lose confidence, saying, “Don’t be scared. Don’t have doubts. We will get there… We will know where the rain beat us and where the rain dried us.”
Conclusion
The PDP leadership remains united in its resolve to contest every elective position in 2027. Despite internal challenges, party officials insist that the organisation’s foundations are strong enough to withstand any attempt to undermine it, echoing Turaki’s firm belief that “nobody can kill the PDP.”
About the Author
