The select committee of the National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) held a meeting at the party’s secretariat on Tuesday to initiate reconciliation efforts following the 2023 general elections. However, notable figures such as presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar, running mate Ifeanyi Okowa, and members of the Integrity group led by former governor Nyesom Wike were absent from the gathering.
Umar Bature, the PDP’s National Organising Secretary, emphasized that the purpose of the meeting was to alleviate tensions within the party and commence the process of reconciliation. He urged members to refrain from blaming others and to recognize their own contributions to the outcomes of the recent elections.
Bature also assured party members that the PDP would not assign blame, impose suspensions or expulsions, or accuse individuals of engaging in activities detrimental to the party’s interests during the general elections. The focus of the meeting was to foster unity and move forward as a cohesive party.Addressing the attendees at the interactive meeting aimed at initiating a reconciliation process, a representative of the PDP stated that the party believes Atiku Abubakar emerged as the winner of the election. However, recognizing the ongoing legal proceedings, they emphasized that the matter would be left to the court’s decision without any prejudice.
The meeting, although not a National Executive Committee (NEC) gathering, provided a platform for open discussions. Participants were encouraged to reflect on their individual and collective roles in the 2023 elections before accusing others of either positive or negative involvement.
The party acknowledged the significant contributions made by all members during the elections and urged transparency in sharing personal experiences. This approach aimed to foster a fair and constructive dialogue, promoting understanding and paving the way for a successful reconciliation process within the PDP. Umar Damagun, the Acting National Chairman of the party, emphasized that the meeting served as a continuation of the National Working Committee’s (NWC) ongoing consultations with key stakeholders. The objective was to collectively determine the party’s future course following the conclusion of the last election.
Damagun highlighted the importance of engaging critical stakeholders in order to chart a clear path forward for the party. The meeting represented a vital step in the ongoing efforts to strategize and reposition the party after the electoral process.
By involving key individuals and seeking their input, the NWC aimed to ensure that decisions and actions taken by the party align with the perspectives and aspirations of its stakeholders. The meeting thus played a crucial role in the ongoing planning and decision-making processes within the party.The purpose of the meeting was to conduct a comprehensive review of the outcomes of the recent general elections and facilitate a platform for sharing ideas on strengthening the party to tackle future challenges.
Previous engagements with key party stakeholders, including the National Ex Officio members, state chairpersons, select Board of Trustees (BoT) members, and National Assembly representatives, had set the stage for this meeting. The need for the gathering arose from the discussions held during those previous engagements, highlighting the importance of this subsequent meeting.
The PDP has recognized the significance of reconciliation among its members following the divided state of the party leading up to the 2023 general elections. In a retreat held in Bauchi in June, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde emphasized the urgency of setting aside differences and focusing on unity within the party. He stressed the need for a healing process to commence promptly.
This recent meeting served as another step in the ongoing efforts to foster unity and strengthen the party, aligning with the calls for reconciliation made by Governor Makinde and other party leaders.
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