PDP Factions Show Readiness for Reconciliation After Court Victory
A former presidential aspirant of Nigeria’s Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, has indicated that both the recognized and challenged factions within the party are now prepared to pursue reconciliation. His statement follows a recent Appeal Court judgment that solidified the legitimacy of one faction over another.
Olawepo-Hashim shared this development during a live interview on Arise Television’s ‘Prime Time’ programme on Wednesday. His comments come after the Court of Appeal in Abuja upheld a Federal High Court ruling. That earlier ruling, issued on October 31, 2025, had restrained the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognizing the outcomes of the PDP’s disputed 2025 National Convention.
The appellate court’s decision dismissed an appeal filed by a faction led by former Minister Taminu Turaki, effectively affirming the leadership structure recognized by the Federal High Court.
Speaking on the implications, Olawepo-Hashim noted a significant shift in approach from both sides. “It is positive that both parties already agree that the path of contestation at the apex court is not helpful to the party, and there is an urgent need for an agreement,” he stated.
He provided evidence of direct talks, saying, “Well, the good news is that we are seeing a public acknowledgement of the readiness for reconciliation among the parties… So I see it as positive that there is a public acknowledgement.” Olawepo-Hashim added that the other faction, in a meeting concluding around the same time, had also resolved to engage in talks.
“So there is a readiness for reconciliation on both sides. And for me, that is positive. I think this is the next step,” he remarked, expressing gratitude for the development.
This public indication of a mutual willingness to negotiate marks a potential turning point for the PDP, which has faced prolonged internal legal battles threatening its cohesion. The party’s crisis stems from competing claims over the conduct of its 2025 national convention, leading to parallel leadership structures and uncertainty ahead of future electoral cycles.
The confirmed legal victory for one faction had raised expectations about how the party would move forward. Olawepo-Hashim’s assessment suggests the long-delayed process of unifying the party’s warring groups may now formally commence, focusing on internal settlement rather than further litigation. The next steps will likely involve establishing formal dialogue frameworks between the factions to agree on a lasting power-sharing or leadership arrangement.
