PDP Crisis: BoT stays neutral, pushes for reconciliation
tasks Oghiadomhe, Oyinlola, Gusau, others to broker peace in 7 days
By Luminous Jannamike
ABUJA - The Board of Trustees (BoT) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has announced that it will not align with any faction in the ongoing internal crisis rocking the party, as elders move to reconcile all aggrieved groups ahead of the 2025 Elective National Convention in Ibadan.
The position was made known on Wednesday during the 83rd Meeting of the PDP Board of Trustees in Abuja, where the National Chairman of the party, Amb. Umar Iliya Damagum, and the BoT Chairman, Senator Adolphus Wabara, addressed party leaders on the rising tensions within the PDP.
Damagum used the forum to welcome the recent ruling by Justice Akintola of the Oyo State High Court, which upheld the PDP’s right to go ahead with its 2025 Elective National Convention.
“Our party has sufficiently satisfied all provisions of the law and therefore retains the constitutional right to organize its internal democratic processes, specifically, to hold the 2025 Elective National Convention,” he said.
Damagum commended the courage of the judiciary in delivering the ruling despite pressure and hostile political climate.
“What Justice Akintola did, in this era of judicial intimidation and moral compromise, is an act of courage,” he stated.
Reflecting on his early days in office, Damagum explained that he met a party struggling with mistrust and division, and chose reconciliation rather than retribution.
“When I assumed office as the Acting National Chairman of the PDP, I met a deeply divided house. I realized then that what our party needed most was reconciliation, not vengeance, not anger, not blame.”
According to him, every compromise he made was to protect the party from further damage.
“Every decision I took, every compromise I made, every gesture of accommodation was for the sake of the Party. I chose the Party, not individuals, not factions, but the enduring institution of the PDP that shall outlive us all.”
In his remarks, BoT Chairman, Senator Adolphus Wabara, reaffirmed that the BoT would remain neutral and focus on bringing the party back together as it prepares for the Ibadan convention.
“As the conscience of the party, the Board of Trustees cannot and will not take sides. Our sacred duty is to safeguard the integrity of the PDP and ensure that dialogue triumphs over discord,” Wabara stated.
He acknowledged that the recent clashes and public scenes involving party members were unfortunate and did not reflect the character of the PDP, urging members to let go of grudges and rebuild trust.
“No ambition, no grievance, and no factional loyalty should override the collective interest of the PDP. The Nigerian people are watching us closely,” he said.
To actualise this, the BoT announced the creation of a high-powered reconciliation committee to engage with all sides and restore peace ahead of the November 15–16 convention in Ibadan.
Members of the committee include Amb. Hassan Adamu as Chairman, Chief Mike Oghiadomhe as Secretary, Chief Ugochukwu Okeke, Senator Zaynab Kure, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, and Dr. Lubna Mohammed Gusau. The committee is expected to submit its report by November 11, 2025.
The BoT also commended the Amb. Iliya Damagum-led National Working Committee, PDP Governors Forum, National Convention Organising Committee, and other key organs for keeping the party stable during this turbulent period.
Wabara expressed confidence that with sincerity and collective effort, the party can emerge stronger.
“Let this meeting today mark the beginning of a new chapter defined by forgiveness, dialogue, and a renewed sense of purpose.”
The meeting ended with a renewed call for unity and loyalty, as leaders expressed hope that a peaceful and credible convention will reset the party and strengthen it as a constructive and united opposition.
Source: Vanguard
