The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) says its legal challenges are over and has called on members to embrace reconciliation, rebuild trust and strengthen unity within the party.
Chairman of the party’s Board of Trustees (BoT), Sen. Mao Ohuabunwa, made the call on Monday in Abuja at the 85th meeting of the BoT.
Ohuabunwa described the party as being at a critical crossroads and urged leaders to place the collective interest of the PDP above personal ambitions.
Welcoming the judgment of the Federal High Court in Ibadan, which affirmed the legitimacy of the Abdulrahman Mohammed-led National Caretaker Committee, he called on party members to respect the judiciary and comply with lawful decisions.
According to him, unity remains a strategic imperative for the survival of the party.
“With the legal fog lifting, the focus must now shift to reconciliation, rebuilding trust and laying the groundwork for orderly congresses and a credible national convention,” he said.
The BoT chairman expressed confidence that the PDP would overcome its internal challenges, reaffirming the commitment of the BoT and the caretaker committee to unity, respect for court rulings and preparations for outstanding congresses ahead of the national convention.
He noted that the party had endured months of turbulence characterised by leadership disputes and legal battles, but survived due to strong institutions and adherence to constitutional order.
Ohuabunwa explained that the delay in conducting party congresses was a deliberate and cautious decision taken in deference to ongoing judicial processes, and not a failure of leadership.
“The PDP chose legality over expediency and patience over provocation. History will judge the party kindly for upholding the rule of law,” he said.
He warned against divisive rhetoric and actions capable of undermining democratic institutions, stressing that the moral authority of the BoT rested on fairness, balance and due process.
In his remarks, Mr Abdulrahman Mohammed, Chairman of the National Caretaker Committee, thanked BoT members for their steadfast support, describing it as crucial to the stability of the party at a defining moment.
He also expressed gratitude to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Mr Nyesom Wike, for standing by the caretaker committee, noting that his support had strengthened efforts to reposition the party.
Mohammed said the Christmas and New Year holidays were over and that it was time for decisive action to deliver on the mandate given to the committee to return the PDP to a stable footing.
He said the Federal High Court in Ibadan had delivered a declaratory judgment in favour of the committee, adding that the law was clear and justice would continue to prevail for the party.
Describing the PDP as a people-centred party with nationwide structures and verifiable legacies, Mohammed warned that the party could not afford complacency at such a critical time.
He commended party stakeholders across the country for their unwavering support during what he described as “defining times” for the opposition party.