The National Chairman, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, SAN, has said members of rival factions of the party are exploring various pathways towards a lasting resolution to the crisis rocking the party.

In a statement on Wednesday, Turaki urged the party’s supporters across the board to immediately de-escalate heated communications and actions to avoid jeopardising ongoing peace efforts.

He said the reconciliatory move is in obedience to the advice of the Court of Appeal, Ibadan, which, a few weeks ago, told parties in a suit regarding the PDP crisis to explore reconciliation to save the party from further strife.

The PDP chairman stated that, following the court’s advice to create a platform for aspirants to seek elective offices in the upcoming elections, the Board of Trustees of the party, led by Senator Adolphus Wabara, established a high-powered committee to engage with estranged party members, aiming to resolve outstanding issues and reposition the party for the elections.

Part of the reconciliatory move embarked on by the party includes the National Working Committee postponing the National Executive Committee and National Caucus meetings earlier scheduled. Turaki said the party also de-escalated combative communication on all fronts.

“While we expected a reciprocal gesture, what we have witnessed instead is the weaponisation of hurtful rhetoric and the issuance of derogatory statements. Notwithstanding, we remain mindful of the far-reaching implications of this dispute, particularly within the tight timelines of the extant Electoral Act. We therefore call on the leadership of the other group to act in the overall interest of our numerous party members who look to our platform to pursue elective offices.

“I can unequivocally confirm that, as of today, leaders on both sides have broken the ice and are exploring various pathways towards a lasting resolution. We urge our supporters across the board to immediately de-escalate high-tempered communications and actions, so as not to jeopardise the ongoing peace efforts.

“To all aspirants who have stood with us thus far, we assure you that, by the grace of God, our party will field candidates for all elective offices, in compliance with Article 6(2) of the Constitution of the PDP (as amended in 2017),” he said.

The PDP chairman appreciated Nigerians across the country who continued to show interest in the party via registration. He said despite recent challenges, “the faith of our core supporters remains unshaken. It is for them that we are making every effort to resolve the issues before us.”

“As we are aware, democracy is not merely about the periodic conduct of elections; it also requires a virile opposition and an active civil society to hold government accountable. As Nigeria’s only surviving legacy party in the current republic, with the rare privilege of having led this country for 16 years, we remain committed to defending and consolidating our democracy, even as an opposition party.

“We call on those in authority to remain conscious that they are delegates of the people, and that their actions must, at all times, align with the will of the people. Ultimate power resides with the people; it must therefore remain the centrepiece of governance.

“Before I conclude, let me convey the NWC’s unanimous vote of confidence passed on Governors Bala Mohammed and Seyi Makinde for their resilience and steadfast leadership in the face of recent challenges.

“Let me end by reassuring Nigerians that the PDP is alive and will participate in the forthcoming elections, offering a credible platform for robust political contests at all levels, so that power may truly return to the people,” he said.