The Chairman of the Interim National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Tanimu Turaki (SAN), has expressed confidence that the party will remain a strong force in Nigeria’s political landscape despite its ongoing internal and legal challenges.
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‎Speaking during a stakeholders’ meeting in Abuja on Thursday, Turaki said the opposition party had overcome more difficult periods in the past and would emerge stronger from its current situation.
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‎According to him, the PDP has experienced both periods of success and hardship throughout its history, stressing that the present crisis is not unprecedented.
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‎He recalled the party’s previous leadership disputes, including the crisis resolved under the caretaker committee led by former Kaduna State Governor, Senator Ahmed Makarfi, noting that those challenges were more severe than the current ones.
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‎Turaki insisted that unlike some political parties facing uncertainty over their future, the PDP’s existence is not under threat.
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‎He assured members that the party would overcome its present difficulties and remain active in Nigeria’s political process.
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‎The senior advocate explained that the meeting was convened to brief stakeholders on the outcome of a recent court judgment arising from a suit filed by the PDP Board of Trustees (BoT).
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‎He added that party leaders would review the judgment during a closed-door session and determine the next line of action.
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‎Turaki also affirmed that the PDP would participate fully in the 2027 general elections, fielding candidates for every elective office, from the presidency to state Houses of Assembly.
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‎Also speaking, the Secretary of the PDP Board of Trustees, Babangida Aliyu, blamed some of the party’s challenges on internal divisions and politicians who frequently switch political parties for personal gain.
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‎Aliyu argued that many former PDP members who defected with the intention of weakening the party are now facing greater political uncertainty in their new parties.
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‎He urged party members to remain patient, uphold integrity, and trust the legal process being pursued to reposition the party, while encouraging stakeholders to openly express their views during the meeting.
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‎The Chairman of the PDP State Chairmen’s Forum, Tony Aziegbemi, accused some former members now aligned with the ruling party of attempting to undermine the institutions they once benefited from.
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‎Aziegbemi admitted that the PDP had made mistakes in the past by promoting individuals who lacked genuine commitment to democratic principles.
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‎He also criticised politicians driven by excessive personal ambition and wealth accumulation while many Nigerians continue to struggle economically.
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‎Expressing optimism about the party’s future, Aziegbemi urged members to remain loyal, saying the PDP would regain its place as a credible alternative capable of providing effective leadership for the country.