PDP Crisis Can Be Resolved In 1 Week — Olawepo-Hashim

A former presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, has expressed confidence that the party’s protracted leadership crisis could be resolved within one week if its leaders prioritise political dialogue over prolonged court battles.

Olawepo-Hashim made the assertion during a consultative meeting with the PDP National Chairman, Tanimu Turaki (SAN), as part of ongoing efforts to achieve an out-of-court settlement on the party’s internal dispute.

Details of the meeting were contained in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Olawepo-Hashim Media Office, where he warned that the party’s continued dependence on litigation poses a serious threat to its survival and could undermine the stability of Nigeria’s multiparty democratic system.

He maintained that the PDP’s constitution and existing party structures provide adequate mechanisms for resolving the crisis internally.

“There are more than enough legitimate members of the National Executive Committee to convene a meeting and resolve this crisis within one week,” Olawepo-Hashim said.

He referenced Sections 3(1) and 3(4) of the PDP Constitution, which empower two-thirds of the National Executive Committee (NEC) members to convene a meeting and take binding decisions on behalf of the party.

According to him, the majority of NEC members were elected before the disputed Ibadan Convention and therefore retain unquestionable constitutional legitimacy.

He added that although the tenure of some members of the National Working Committee expired on December 8, the pre-Ibadan NEC members remain constitutionally empowered to intervene and take corrective steps.

Such intervention, Olawepo-Hashim said, would enable the party to restore unity, stability and electoral competitiveness.

“What is required now is courage and responsibility,” he said, urging party leaders to act in the broader interest of the PDP and the country.

“NEC members must rise above factional interests and stand for posterity, for the party and for the nation,” he added.

He cautioned that sustained internal crises could weaken the PDP’s ability to function as a credible opposition and disrupt the country’s democratic balance.

“The PDP plays a critical role in Nigeria’s democracy. A weakened opposition is dangerous for democratic governance,” Olawepo-Hashim warned.

In his response, the Turaki thanked Olawepo-Hashim for the visit and commended his commitment to party unity and reconciliation.

The PDP chairman assured that the party leadership remains open to reconciliation efforts, stressing that any resolution must preserve the unity, stability and continued existence of the opposition party.

The meeting, held at Turaki’s residence in Asokoro, Abuja, was also attended by the Deputy National Chairman and the party’s National Youth Leader.