Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has called on leaders and stakeholders of the Peoples Democratic Party to embrace reconciliation and move beyond lingering litigations following the recent judgment of the Court of Appeal of Nigeria concerning the party’s national convention.
Natasha made the call in a statement released in Abuja on Tuesday by her media adviser, Mike Idoko.
Natasha asked party members across the country to view the decision as an opportunity to restore unity, improve internal democracy, and posture the PDP for the 2027 general elections.
According to her, lengthy legal disputes within the party could damage the aspirations of faithful members who want to run for office 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.
“The strength of our party lies in unity, collective purpose and our shared commitment to providing Nigerians with credible leadership,” she said.
The lawmaker emphasized that political parties exist solely to give platforms for those who want to serve their communities and the country through election posts.
She emphasized that internal disagreements should not be allowed to impede the ambitions of party members preparing for future elections.
“Our members across the grassroots—those aspiring to serve in State Houses of Assembly, the House of Representatives, the Senate, governorship positions, and even the presidency—must not become casualties of prolonged disagreements among leaders.
“Their aspirations and the future of our party must remain paramount,” she stated.
Akpoti-Uduaghan urged party leaders to resolve internal disagreements with maturity, dialogue, and collective commitment to the PDP’s survival and progress.
She also encouraged stakeholders to work towards an inclusive and credible national convention in accordance with the Independent National Electoral Commission guidelines.
“At moments like this, leadership demands that we rise above personal interests and focus on the greater good of our party and our nation.
“This is the time to come together, engage constructively, and organize a national convention that reflects the unity, inclusiveness, and democratic values of our party. Nigerians are watching, and we must show that the PDP remains ready and capable of leading the nation forward,” she added.
The plea for reconciliation comes amid ongoing disagreements within the PDP about the conduct and legality of its national convention, which has resulted in various court proceedings and heightened tensions among opposition party sections ahead of the next electoral cycle.
The PDP, which controlled Nigeria from 1999 to 2015 before losing power to the All Progressives Congress, has recently encountered internal divides and leadership issues, which observers believe will jeopardize the party’s chances in the 2027 elections if not addressed.
