After long-running intrigues and internal power struggles, leaders of the major factions in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are now seriously considering how to actualise a far-reaching reconciliation before the 2027 elections.

Frictions began in the party shortly before the party’s 2023 presidential primaries, and since then, scores of legal tussles appear to be approaching a conclusion with the Abuja Federal Court of Appeal’s forthcoming judgment on consolidated cases that include the legitimacy of claims to party leadership.

However, party leaders, including two former governors who spoke with The Nation in Abuja on Friday, emphasised that despite ongoing internal feuds and legal challenges, forces within the PDP are now exploring initiatives towards effective reconciliation and vigorous participation in the 2027 elections.

Speaking in turns via telephone, PDP National Chairmanship aspirant and former governors of Jigawa State, Alhaji Sule Lamido, and former Kaduna State governor, Senator Ahmed Makarfi, who once served as Caretaker National Chairman and recently resigned from the position of Secretary, Board of Trustees, both emphasised increasing efforts by stakeholders towards reconciliation.

Said Makarfi: “Reconciliation is at the core of our current discussions because, at the end of the day, after various posturing, we just have to reconcile; note that after the period of Ali Modu Sheriff’s leadership, even though a few left the party, we eventually reconciled our differences.

“Very soon, after the current legal tussle is concluded, no matter what the final judicial verdict is, party stakeholders have to be prepared and ready to do the needful in actualising our reconciliation process,” he said.

Speaking in a similar vein, Alhaji Sule Lamido, who was said to have nominated the Secretary of the current Board of Trustees for the faction that was loyal to FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, said that although many assumed that he and Makarfi were in opposing camps, they have joined others in initiating a resolute process towards reconciliation.

“Yes, Senator Makarfi and I have had serious discussions about reconciliation, and other party stakeholders are working in a similar direction; we believe that we need to begin serious talks between various groups before the final verdict on petitions that are before the Federal Court of Appeal.

“We are convinced that we should put all our differences, all our prejudices aside; through ongoing discussions that are being initiated, we are going to resolve our differences and move the party forward,” Lamido told The Nation.

Speaking in a similar vein, a member of the House of Representatives who is a longtime loyalist of FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, emphasised that contrary to widespread erroneous perceptions, Wike has always been positively disposed towards reconciliation moves.

“Many stakeholders are aware that long before now, the FCT Minister had demonstrated openness towards a pragmatic reconciliation process that would embrace the sharing of positions to give good representation to all stakeholders,” said the legislators.

Responding to The Nation’s queries, National Publicity Secretary of the PDP National Caretaker Committee, Hon Jungudo Haruna Mohammed disclosed that even though they plan to move expeditiously towards concluding preparations for a national election where all state chapters would be effectively represented, they have decided to delay the constitution of the Convention Planning Committee so that other stakeholders can be fully represented after the resiluri9n of lingering court cases.

“We have always stressed that our doors are wide open for everyone willing to join us in our mission to rebuild the party to come over; we are ready to put aside any differences and work together in the overall interest of the party.

“It is in this spirit that we are delaying the process of constituting the Convention Planning Committee of the party; already, we have received many into our fold, and we are expecting more to join us once the issues in court are concluded,” Jungudo told The Nation.

Meanwhile, in a reaction to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)’ s newly-released ‘Notice of Election Timetable’, the National Publicity Secretary of PDP’s National Caretaker Working Committee, Hon. Jungudo Haruna Mohammed, stated that the party has assured all aspirants and supporters of the party’s commitment towards ensuring vigorous representation in the 2027 general elections.

In a statement released in Abuja on Friday, he assured that with INEC’s release of a Timetable for the 2027 election, the PDP’s National Caretaker Working Committee is working towards resolving all outstanding disputes and litigations.

“In the light of this development, the party reassures its members, particularly those aspiring to contest elective offices, that all internal party disputes and pending litigations involving the party are being diligently pursued and are expected to be conclusively resolved well ahead of the window provided for political parties to conduct their primaries.

“The PDP is fully prepared to meet all Constitutional and Regulatory requirements within the stipulated timelines; in this regard, the party urges all aspirants to remain calm, focused, prepared and be guided by subsequent directives from the leadership of our great party.

“The PDP further reassures Nigerians of its readiness to offer credible leadership and a clear alternative anchored on Good Governance, Accountability, National Peace and Unity, and Sustainable Development for our great nation.

“Members are therefore urged to remain actively involved, intensify grassroots mobilisation, and uphold the enduring values that define our great Party,” Jungudo Mohammed stated. (The Nation)