Nigerian Senator Calls for PDP Unity Following Court of Appeal Ruling
ABUJA — Following a recent appellate court ruling on the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) national convention, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has appealed to party leaders and members to prioritize reconciliation over ongoing litigation.
The call from the Kogi Central senator comes after Nigeria’s Court of Appeal delivered a judgment on a dispute concerning the PDP’s convention processes. In a statement issued via her media aide on Tuesday, Akpoti-Uduaghan urged the party to view the court’s decision as a turning point.
She advised that the ruling should be seized as an opportunity to restore unity, strengthen internal democratic practices, and reposition the PDP for the 2027 general elections. The senator cautioned that protracted legal battles within the party risk undermining the ambitions of loyal members aiming to contest elections on the PDP platform.
“The Court of Appeal has spoken, and as a democratic party that believes in the rule of law, we must now shift our focus from litigation to reconciliation and rebuilding,” Akpoti-Uduaghan stated. “The strength of our party lies in unity, collective purpose and our shared commitment to providing Nigerians with credible leadership.”
Emphasizing the core function of political parties, she noted they exist to provide platforms for citizens seeking public office. She warned that internal disputes must not derail the preparations of members for future contests.
Akpoti-Uduaghan further exhorted party leaders to approach disagreements with compromise and statesmanship. She called for maturity, dialogue, and a collective commitment to the party’s survival and progress. Additionally, she urged stakeholders to ensure any future national convention is inclusive, credible, and fully compliant with guidelines set by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The PDP, as Nigeria’s main opposition party, remains a critical component of the nation’s political landscape. The senator’s appeal highlights the internal dynamics that could shape the party’s strategy and cohesion in the lead-up to the next electoral cycle, where it aims to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress. The successful resolution of internal conflicts is widely seen as essential for presenting a formidable challenge in the 2027 elections.