MOVES to reconcile warring factions within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) gathered momentum on Wednesday as key leaders of the party called for unity and an end to prolonged internal disputes.

But the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, rejected calls for the formation of a new caretaker committee, insisting that the party must proceed with its planned national convention.

The push for reconciliation came during the 86th meeting of the Board of Trustees (BoT) and the 106th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the party held in Abuja.

Speaking at the NEC meeting convened by the faction led by the Chairman of the National Caretaker Committee, Abdulrahman Mohammed, Wike maintained that while his camp was open to reconciliation, such negotiations would be conducted from a position of strength following recent court rulings.

The FCT minister said the party’s upcoming national convention must hold as scheduled, dismissing suggestions that another caretaker committee should be constituted to placate aggrieved members.

“The party is working hard for the convention to be held. They have paid the necessary fees. They have secured the venue. So, let no one bring up another suggestion to form another caretaker committee. I won’t accept that. The convention must hold, and we will allow everybody to participate,” he said.

Wike also dismissed claims that his role in the administration of the ruling party had undermined his loyalty to the PDP, insisting that he remained committed to the party.

“It was as if I was the cause of the problem because I am working in an APC administration, but all the ones who accused me are today in APC, and I, whom they accused, have not left the PDP,” he added.

His comments followed a renewed appeal for peace within the party by the leadership of the BoT, which urged members to halt what it described as excessive resort to litigation in resolving internal disputes.

Chairman of the BoT, Mao Ohuabunwa, while welcoming members to the 86th meeting of the board, described the moment as a critical period for the party, calling for wisdom, restraint and unity among members.

“This gathering comes at a defining moment in the life of the PDP; one that calls not for emotion or haste, but for wisdom, institutional memory and calm reflection,” he said.

According to him, the BoT, as the conscience of the party, must provide guidance and ensure that the long-term interests of the PDP and the Nigerian people remain paramount.

Ohuabunwa noted that the party had made significant progress in its internal reorganisation with the successful conduct of ward and local government congresses across the country.

“These exercises demonstrate that the PDP remains deeply rooted in participatory democracy and the will of its members at the grassroots,” he said, expressing optimism that the forthcoming state congresses would further strengthen the party’s structures nationwide.

He added that preparations were already underway for the PDP national convention scheduled for March 29 and 30, which he said would provide an opportunity for the party to reposition itself and reaffirm its commitment to democratic principles and national service.

The BoT chairman also acknowledged recent judgments of the Court of Appeal, which affirmed the legality and authority of the caretaker leadership, describing the rulings as providing clarity and stability within the party.

Earlier, the chairman of the caretaker committee, Mohammed, called on party stakeholders to embrace reconciliation and put an end to persistent legal battles that have slowed the party’s activities. (The Guardian)

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