Turaki group dumps Makinde, embraces Wike-backed exco
• Oyo governor’s position contradicts opening of reconciliation talks in PDP By Tony Akowe, Gbenga Omokhunu, Vincent Ikuomola, Abuja; Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin and Elo Edremoda, Warri Oyo State Governor Seyi
• Oyo governor’s position contradicts opening of reconciliation talks in PDP
By Tony Akowe, Gbenga Omokhunu, Vincent Ikuomola, Abuja; Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin and Elo Edremoda, Warri
Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde may have been left in the cold with yesterday’s decision of the Taminu Turaki group to embrace the Wike-backed National Caretaker Working Committee (NCWC).
Turaki, told reporters that it was time to sheath the sword and reconcile with the Abdulrahman Mohammed-led NCWC for peace to reign in the party.
This position contradicts what Makinde said twice in the last five days.
In Bauchi on Sunday during his visit to Governor Bala Mohammed, Makinde he would not leave the PDP but vowed never to work with the Wike-backed Mohammed NCWC.
He added that working with the NCWC would amount to support the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, an ideal he does not believe in.
On Monday in Ibadan, during a meeting of his supporter in the state, Makinde reaffirmed his position not to go into reconciliation with the NCWC.
He told his supporters that while he will remain in PDP, those of them gunning for elective offices will get his support to contest on another platform.
He promised to make the platform known to them on April 18.
However, unity is finally about to return to the troubled PDP.
Turaki announced its readiness to bend backwards for the sake of peace in the party, which once dubbed itself Africa’s biggest political party.
Also in Abuja, Federal Capital Territory(FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike declared that the PDP NCWC, which he backs, remains open to reconciliation with all aggrieved groups in the party and their members.
Briefing reporters after a meeting of his group in Abuja, Turaki said leaders of the party had broken the ice by exploring various pathways to ending their disagreements.
Turaki added that it was resolved at the meeting to direct its supporters to immediately de-escalate high-tempered communications and actions, so as not to jeopardise the troubleshooting efforts.
He said: ‘’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.
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“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.
“We have hope and confidence that we can still work together. We have confidence that in life, there are times to fight and there are also times to make peace. But even when you choose to fight and go to war and win the war, you also need to win the peace.
“So, if you have a pathway to winning the peace without necessarily going to war, why not take peace and forgo the war?
“Let me also add that we understand that in human life, every time something good is coming your way, there are people from unimaginable and unbelievable quarters—sometimes those you think are friends or family—who will be the first to rise and truncate those good things coming your way.
“I am not saying there are no good elements on both sides whose sole intention is to protect peace in this country. I am saying some people are fighting so that this party will go down.
‘’ From last night, these two elements have been identified and fleshed out in the discussions between the two sides.
“We have chosen the path of peace in the overall interest of party members, particularly our teeming supporters who want PDP to remain an effective platform for the forthcoming elections.
“As soon as we reach agreeable terms…. we will willingly withdraw all cases in court to give peace a chance.
‘’On the issue of compromise, we are willing to bend as far as our necks and backs allow. We are ready to make all sorts of sacrifices in the overall interest of the party. PDP will not die.
“Everything possible will be done to make this reconciliation work because nothing is impossible. Issues such as attendance at the convention are among those to be discussed.
‘’Once these matters are deliberated upon, the parties and delegates will decide whether the convention needs to continue. These issues are on the table and will be considered carefully.’’
He assured those interested in seeking elective positions that they would be fielded in compliance with Article 6(2) of the Constitution of the PDP (as amended in 2017).
Turaki also appreciated Nigerians who have continued to show interest in our party and have registered via our e-registration platform, www.iampdp.org.
He said the NWC passed a vote of confidence in Governors Bala Mohammed(Bauchi) and Seyi Makinde(Oyo) for their resilience and steadfast leadership in the face of recent challenges.
Wike: No faction in PDP, no going back on convention
Also yesterday, FCT Minister Wike insisted there was no division in the PDP.
“We have only one PDP, no faction,” he said, but admitted there are disagreements within the party whose convention will hold in Abuja.
The minister spoke with reporters after inspecting ongoing and completed projects in the FCT.
Wike said: “I don’t know which camp you are talking about. There is only one PDP. Some individuals may not be happy, yes, but there is no faction.”
He added that reconciliation efforts would continue alongside preparations for the party’s convention.
“That there is a convention does not mean there will be no reconciliation. Everything has its own time,” he noted.
In Ilorin, the PDP in Kwara State said it would attend the national convention in spite of the internal schism at the national level.
‘’Kwara PDP is non-aligned. We don’t belong to any of the tendencies in the PDP,” the state Chairman, Isa Adamu, said after an emergency meeting.
Adamu added: ‘’We will not leave PDP unless it reaches a point that it is no longer a viable vehicle for contest in Nigeria.’’
A former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives and member of the Board of Trustees (BoT) of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Chibudom Nwuche, also called for an end to internal disputes and litigations in the party.
Nwuche, in a statement yesterday, called for reconciliation and unity within the party.
He urged all aggrieved party leaders and members to set aside their differences and embrace peace for the overall good of the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The statement followed the successful holding of the 107th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the party on Monday in Abuja.
Nwuche, according to the statement, urged stakeholders to return to PDP and take advantage of the ongoing reconciliation and consolidation ahead of the national convention on Sunday.
