Turaki: PDP Will Survive, We’ve Seen Worse Leadership Crises

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is navigating a significant leadership crisis, but factional chairman Kabiru Turaki remains optimistic about its resilience. He asserted that the opposition party has weathered more severe internal disputes in the past and will overcome its current challenges.

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We have seen all seasons. We have seen the good times, and we have also seen the bad times. We have seen days of prosperity, just as we have also seen days of adversity.

Speaking at a stakeholders' meeting in Abuja, Turaki drew parallels to past crises, notably the one that led to the establishment of the Ahmed Makarfi-led caretaker committee. He described the current situation as "child's play" compared to previous disputes, suggesting that the party's historical ability to unite and resolve conflicts bodes well for its future.

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The kind of challenge that the Peoples Democratic Party is facing today is not new to us. People may recall a time when some charlatans made attempts to take the leadership of our party, but the party stood united and a caretaker committee was set up under the leadership of senator Ahmed Makarfi.

Turaki also pointed fingers at the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), accusing them of orchestrating crises within opposition parties. Despite the internal wrangling, he expressed confidence in the PDP's ability to participate in and contest the 2027 general elections, emphasizing that the party "will continue to live" and "shall be on the ballot."

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Those who witnessed that period will appreciate that what we are witnessing now is even a child’s play. By the special grace of God, we shall overcome.

Former Niger State Governor and PDP Board of Trustees Secretary, Babangida Aliyu, echoed Turaki's call for unity and patience. He urged party members to remain steadfast, suggesting that the current challenges would ultimately strengthen the PDP. Aliyu also criticized politicians who frequently switch parties for personal gain, highlighting a need for greater political integrity.

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It is regrettable, indeed very sad and unfortunate, that when you begin to trace the genesis of those crises, they take you back to the footsteps of the party in government.