By Sodiq Adelakun
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Board of Trustees (BoT) has declared that the 2027 presidential election will be Nigerians versus a failed government, and not about defections or propaganda.
The BoT also called on aggrieved members to sheath their swords and return to the party, adding that PDP remains 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, Senator Adolphus Wabara, congratulated the PDP on the successful conduct of its National Convention, describing it as a clear demonstration of the party’s enduring commitment to internal democracy, transparency, and constitutional order.
He said the convention reaffirmed 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 leads, bears a 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. Now, it is time for peace. One of the cardinal principles that we intend to pursue under our leadership is reconciliation. We believe that there is no dispute, disagreement, or misunderstanding that is irreconcilable, provided there is a common objective and common will to grow and strengthen the party.”
“It has been our desire since day one to have critical discussions, not only with our founding fathers and mothers and past leaders, but also with national and sub-national officials who have led this country. We’ve held discussions with former military President Ibrahim Babangida, General T.Y. Danjuma, and former President Olusegun Obasanjo, among others. We have also engaged with National Assembly members, state chairmen, former ministers, and former governors produced by this party.”
“These interactive discussions will continue because we believe that to return to our winning ways as a serious-minded political party, we must carry our people along, not just our leaders. For PDP, every person matters because our strength lies in our large grassroots membership. That is why PDP is truly a people’s party.”
“We recognize the mistakes of the past and are now committed to making amends, not only with our members but with all Nigerians. We call on citizens to trust us again. We will listen, understand, and respond to the needs of the people. This is a new PDP, a party ready to serve the people with renewed focus and dedication.”