PDP Board of Trustees pledges neutrality as elders move to reconcile factions ahead of Ibadan convention

Party elders vow to rebuild unity and end internal divisions

The Board of Trustees (BoT) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has declared that it will not align with any faction amid the ongoing internal crisis within the party.

The Board made this position clear during its 83rd meeting held on Wednesday in Abuja, as it moves to reconcile all aggrieved members ahead of the 2025 Elective National Convention scheduled to take place in Ibadan, Oyo State.

Speaking at the meeting, both the National Chairman of the PDP, Ambassador Umar Iliya Damagum, and the BoT Chairman, Senator Adolphus Wabara, reaffirmed the party’s commitment to unity, internal democracy, and reconciliation among its members.

Damagum welcomes court ruling affirming PDP’s right to hold convention

In his remarks, Ambassador Umar Damagum expressed appreciation for the recent ruling by Justice Akintola of the Oyo State High Court, which affirmed the PDP’s right to proceed with its upcoming 2025 Elective National Convention.

According to the PDP Chairman, the judgment validates the party’s adherence to due process and constitutional provisions regarding its internal governance.

“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 also commended the judiciary for standing firm amid political pressure, describing the ruling as a victory for democracy and judicial integrity.

“What Justice Akintola did, in this era of judicial intimidation and moral compromise, is an act of courage,” he added.

PDP leader emphasizes reconciliation over retribution

Reflecting on his tenure as Acting National Chairman, Damagum said that he inherited a deeply divided party but chose to focus on reconciliation and rebuilding trust, rather than pursuing vendettas.

“When I assumed office, I met a party struggling with mistrust and division. I realized that what the PDP needed most was reconciliation, not vengeance, not anger, and not blame,” he said.

He explained that every compromise and decision made under his leadership was aimed at protecting the unity and survival of the PDP.

“Every decision I took, every compromise I made, every gesture of accommodation was for the sake of the party. I chose the PDP, not individuals, not factions, but the enduring institution that shall outlive us all,” Damagum stated.

Wabara assures neutrality, calls for forgiveness and dialogue

On his part, BoT Chairman Senator Adolphus Wabara reaffirmed that the Board would maintain neutrality in the ongoing crisis and focus on promoting reconciliation among all factions.

“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,” he said.

Wabara acknowledged that the recent public altercations among party members were unfortunate and did not reflect the PDP’s long-standing values of unity and decorum. He urged members to forgive one another and prioritize the collective interest of the party over personal ambition.

“No ambition, no grievance, and no factional loyalty should override the collective interest of the PDP. The Nigerian people are watching us closely,” he warned.

High-powered reconciliation committee set up ahead of Ibadan convention

To actualize its commitment to peace, the BoT announced the creation of a high-powered reconciliation committee to engage with all stakeholders and restore harmony before the convention slated for November 15–16, 2025 in Ibadan.

The committee members include:

• Ambassador Hassan Adamu – Chairman

• Chief Mike Oghiadomhe – Secretary

• Chief Ugochukwu Okeke

• Senator Zaynab Kure

• Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola

• Dr. Lubna Mohammed Gusau

The committee is expected to submit its report by November 11, 2025, providing recommendations on how to achieve lasting peace and cohesion within the PDP.

BoT commends party leadership for maintaining stability

The BoT also commended the National Working Committee (NWC) led by Ambassador Damagum, the PDP Governors Forum, and the National Convention Organising Committee for keeping the party stable despite internal disagreements.

Wabara expressed optimism that the forthcoming convention would mark a turning point for the PDP, allowing it to reposition itself as a credible and united opposition ahead of the next general elections.

“Let this meeting today mark the beginning of a new chapter defined by forgiveness, dialogue, and a renewed sense of purpose,” he said.

Party elders express hope for peaceful and credible convention

The meeting concluded with a renewed call for unity and loyalty among all PDP members across the country. Party elders expressed confidence that, through sincere dialogue and collective effort, the PDP can emerge from its current challenges stronger, more disciplined, and ready to serve as a constructive opposition.

The BoT reiterated that its priority remains the preservation of the PDP’s democratic values and institutional integrity, emphasizing that internal reconciliation is key to the party’s resurgence.