The Board of Trustees (BoT) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has said the opposition party must come to terms with making the necessary sacrifice and unity in order to make any success in the 2027 general election.
The chairman of the BoT, Senator Adolphus Wabara, said this in his opening remark at the advisory body’s meeting held at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja on Monday.
According to Wabara, who was represented by the BoT secretary, Senator Ahmed Makarfi, the BoT meeting was a call for reflection, unity and renewed determination, reconciliation for a party that has a proud history as the custodian of democracy and good governance in Nigeria.
He said the hopes of millions of Nigerians were tied to the party’s collective capacity to build, to reconcile and to position itself ahead of 2027.
“However, if we are to succeed in 2027, we must embrace three truths:
“First on the question of unity and progress. Unity is not a mere slogan. Rather, it is the lifeblood of any political organization. Without unity, progress is stunted. Without unity, victory is elusive. Our strength has always been drawn from our diversity, our ability to disagree without division and to reconcile in the interest of the greater good. As elders, leaders and members of the party, we must once again rise to that standard.
“Secondly, the spirit of sacrifice. We must be honest with ourselves. Reclaiming victory in 2027 will demand more than rhetoric. It will demand sacrifice in exchange for the collective interest of the party and more important the Nigerian people.
“Our country is bleeding. The masses are suffering. They look unto the PDP to bring succor, to restore hope and to offer leadership that heals. This burden of expectation should inspire us to give our best and even more for the sake of our nation.
“Third, reconciliation and inclusion. We know that over time, some of our members, due to one grievance or another, have strayed away, in self-imposed exile. Today, as elders of the party, we must extend a hand of the new reconciliation. This does not mean abandoning our principles. Rather, it means applying wisdom and flexibility how we enforce our rules. If necessary, we must relax or regulate certain party laws to accommodate genuine interests and reintegrate those who truly desire to return.”
He said no political family thrives on endless exclusion, stressing that if the party is to stand strong in 2027, it must make room for healing and for fresh beginnings.
“And let me add this, our preparations are already in top gear for forthcoming National Convention in Ibadan where will we elect new national officers.
“This convention must reflect the spirit of unity, sacrifice and inclusion that we preach here today, it will be our chance to renew leadership, strengthen our structures, and send a powerful signal that the PDP is ready for 2027.
“Distinguished leaders, the road to 2027 will not be easy, but if we unite, if we embrace sacrifice, if we open our doors in reconciliation, there is no doubt in my mind that the PDP will once again rise as the hope of Nigerians. Let us leave this meeting with the spirit of determination, solidarity and faith in our great party together. Let us write the next chapter of the PDP together. Let us march towards 2027 as one united family, ready to restore Nigeria to the path of greatness.”
On his part, the PDP acting national chairman, Amb. Umar Damagum, also underscored the need for unity and inclusivity, noting that the sensitive task of the national zoning committee must be handled with seriousness.
