The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Nigeria is facing a crisis as its Board of Trustees (BoT) has rejected the reconciliation committee’s report aimed at resolving the party’s internal issues and ensuring a peaceful national convention in 2025. According to George Turnah, the party’s secretary in the South-South Zone, this rejection is an act of impunity.
The PDP is scheduled to hold its national convention, but a court order has halted the process. Despite this, a faction of the party is proceeding with the convention, which Turnah has described as illegal. The party’s leadership has been accused of disregarding the court’s judgment and the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) directives.
The convention is expected to take place at the Lekan Salami Stadium, with activities already underway. However, Turnah has emphasized that the gathering is not a legitimate PDP convention. He noted that while the Oyo State Governor has the right to host gatherings, the event cannot be considered a legitimate party convention without following the proper procedures.
Turnah expressed concerns about the party’s leadership and its disregard for the rule of law. He cited the exclusion of a founding member, Sule Lamido, from the party’s processes and the lack of transparency in the build-up to the convention. The party’s usual procedures, including the sale of forms and campaigning, were not followed, according to Turnah.
The crisis within the PDP has significant implications for the party’s future and its ability to hold a successful national convention. The party’s leadership must address the internal issues and follow the proper procedures to ensure a peaceful and legitimate convention. The rejection of the reconciliation committee’s report and the disregard for the court order have raised concerns about the party’s commitment to the rule of law and its ability to govern effectively. The situation is being closely watched by Nigerians and the international community, who are awaiting the party’s next steps to resolve the crisis.
