PDP Needs Independent Conflict Resolution Mechanism To Prevent Crises – Ememobong

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) must adopt a structured and independent conflict resolution system to address internal disputes before they escalate, according to Ini Ememobong, National Publicity Secretary of the party’s Turaki-led faction.

Speaking on ARISE NEWS on Thursday amid rising tensions ahead of a planned convention by one faction, Ememobong warned that the absence of a neutral and institutionalised mechanism for resolving disagreements has fueled recurring crises within the party.

While acknowledging ongoing efforts to reconcile aggrieved factions through direct dialogue, he stressed the need for long-term reforms beyond immediate solutions.

“Going forward, the party needs to have an independent machinery that stands ready to check conflicts. Because you don’t allow conflict to get to the boiling point before you intervene,” he said.

Ememobong noted that past reconciliation attempts—such as the 2025 committee led by Bukola Saraki—were undermined by doubts about neutrality. He argued that any effective resolution process must be rooted in impartiality to produce outcomes acceptable to all sides.

He contrasted this with the current approach, where opposing factions are engaging directly without intermediaries. While this may encourage openness, he cautioned that it also increases the risk of stalemate without neutral arbiters.

“If the negotiations break down, the parties themselves would have been unable to reach an agreement,” he noted.

Tracing the roots of the crisis, Ememobong said internal divisions have persisted for years, worsening after the party lost power in 2015 and deepening further following the Ibadan convention in November 2025.

To prevent future conflicts, he proposed the establishment of an independent conflict management framework, potentially involving external professional bodies such as arbitration and mediation institutes to provide objective oversight.

According to him, such a system would act as an early warning mechanism, identifying and resolving tensions before they spiral into major crises.

“Sometimes you need external people to objectively assess positions and guide parties towards resolution,” he added.

Although he acknowledged the challenges of implementing such a mechanism within a political party with competing interests, Ememobong insisted it is essential for preserving unity and preventing future breakdowns.

As reconciliation talks continue ahead of the convention, he expressed optimism that dialogue will yield results, while maintaining that lasting stability will depend on proactive and institutionalised conflict management.