A member of the Peoples Democratic Party’s Board of Trustees, Alhaji Fasiu Bakene, has assured its members that all rifts in the party will soon be resolved.

Bakene, a former member of the Ogun State House of Assembly and chieftain of the party, in a statement in Abeokuta on Tuesday, said despite the gale of defections, the PDP would come out strong in 2027.

According to him, internal crises are not peculiar to the PDP. He said he was optimistic that the party could resolve any internal conflict amicably.

He stated, “With the emergence of the new National Chairman, all rifts shall soon be resolved, notwithstanding the gale of defections.”

He also said the expulsion of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Mr Nyesom Wike, a former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, and the party’s National Secretary, Mr Samuel Anyanwu, at the national convention was long overdue.

He stated, “It’s long overdue. Their utterances, actions, and constant breach of the PDP constitution over the years ought to have been checked. They have demonstrated their skill to kill the same party that made them somebody in the political space.

“They enjoyed demarketing the party. Their expulsion will definitely restore discipline and advance the party. The level of their impunity has contributed to a loss of interest and doubt about any progress within the party.

“Rather than for them to honourably defect to the party of their choice, they prefer claiming to belong to the PDP, yet they shamelessly campaign for the success of another party.”

He lauded the party over the emergence of a former Minister of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs, Alhaji Kabiru Turaki, as its national chairman.

He also described the recent national convention of the party as highly successful.

He commended the national convention organising committee for doing a perfect job alongside all sub-committees- transportation, venues, protocol, accommodation, publicity, and logistics.

He stated, “The convention was peaceful and recorded a large turnout of delegates. It equally affirmed the supremacy of party leadership and structure. Members of NEC (National Executive Committee), BOT (Board of Trustees), and NWC (National Working Committee) were in attendance.”

Bakene described Turaki as a highly experienced administrator, saying he made positive impacts as minister.

He also commended the party over the emergence of Turaki as the new national chairman.

“Emergence of Turaki is a step towards a sound victory for our party, the PDP. He has abundant administrative and political experience to deliver the party. His performances as minister will then come to bear. Surely, he will paddle the ship to success.”

He also commended the party over the emergence of Turaki as the new national chairman.

“Emergence of Turaki is a step towards a sound victory for our party, PDP. He has abundant administrative and political experience to deliver the party. His performances as minister will then come to bear. Surely, he will paddle the ship to success.” (PUNCH)