By Chinelo Obogo
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has commenced reconciliatory efforts with the Lagos State chapter saying Nigeria would crumble if the party collapses.
At a leaders and elders’ stakeholders’ reconciliatory meeting in Lagos yestersday, former deputy national president of the PDP, Olabode George, said the party offers a clear path towards a secure, democratic and prosperous future and that internal reconciliation and learning from past mistakes are essential for the party’s success.
“We are where we are today because of self-inflicted crisis, so, this is the time reconciliation should be on top of our agenda. We should bury our individual ambition now and not allow the PDP to crumble. We have no choice than to put our house in order. We know there are crises in many state chapters of our party and we cannot continue to hide behind a finger. We are beginning the drive to unite the party today with this meeting in Lagos, I will recommend that a zonal committee should go round the states and zones in the next six months to calm frayed nerves and encourage genuine reconciliation.
“As a life member of the Board of Trustees (BoT), my appeal today is to all members, young and old, from the north to the south, that we have another golden opportunity, before the next election in 2027, to bury our differences and put on our thinking caps. We should do everything humanly possible to ensure that the PDP does not go into the dustbin of history in 2027. God forbid this should happen to our party. So, this is the time for all elders and members of PDP to be concerned about the future of our great party.
“If PDP collapses today, Nigeria may also collapse because this party is the engine room of our country. The PDP is a good vehicle to drive this country to a safe, secure, democratic, prosperous and viable destination. We should avoid a situation in which some members will move out of the party or mobilise Lagosians to vote for another candidate in 2027. This is the time to start serious reconciliation. We should also avoid a repeat of the pitfall of the past. Do not confuse a single defeat as a final defeat,” George said.
Chairman of the party, Philip Aivoji, said the reconciliatory and unity gathering signified the PDP’s commitment to internal cohesion, solidarity among its members, and a shared vision for advancing its agenda in Lagos State. He said the reconciliatory and unity gathering is to design a road map for a better PDP in Lagos State and aims to inspire party members to come together, set aside differences, and work towards a common goal of strengthening the PDP in Lagos State.
“Before we can move forward, it is essential to acknowledge the challenges and divisions that have plagued the PDP in Lagos State. We must recognize that internal conflicts and disunity have hindered our progress and weakened our position in the political landscape. Reconciliation is the cornerstone upon which we can build a stronger and more cohesive party. It involves forgiveness, understanding, and a willingness to move forward together. Let us embrace reconciliation as a foundation for rebuilding trust and solidarity within our party,” he said.
