Natasha Urges PDP Leaders to Reconcile After Appeal Court Judgment

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has urged leaders and stakeholders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to pursue reconciliation following the recent judgment of the Court of Appeal of Nigeria concerning the party’s national convention.

In a statement released in Abuja on Tuesday through her media aide, Mike Idoko, the lawmaker called on PDP members nationwide to see the court ruling as an opportunity to rebuild unity and strengthen the party’s internal democratic structures. She stressed that prolonged disputes could weaken the party’s organisational cohesion at a time when it needs to prepare strategically for the next electoral cycle.

Akpoti-Uduaghan noted that, as a democratic institution that respects the rule of law, the PDP must accept the court’s decision and move beyond litigation. According to her, the priority should now be reconciliation and rebuilding the party’s structure to position it effectively for the 2027 general elections.

Concerns Over Prolonged Legal Battles

The senator warned that ongoing legal battles among party factions risk undermining the aspirations of loyal members who hope to contest future elections under the PDP platform. She argued that political parties exist primarily to provide a platform for citizens seeking to serve their communities and the nation through elective offices.

Akpoti-Uduaghan emphasised that grassroots party members should not suffer the consequences of internal leadership disagreements. She pointed out that many aspiring candidates across different levels of government—from state assemblies to the presidency—are closely watching how the PDP resolves its internal disputes.

“Our members across the grassroots—those aspiring to serve in State Houses of Assembly, the House of Representatives, Senate, governorship positions and even the presidency—must not become casualties of prolonged disagreements among leaders,” she stated.

Call for Compromise and Credible Convention

The senator also urged PDP leaders to demonstrate compromise and statesmanship in resolving disagreements, describing the current moment as one that requires maturity and constructive dialogue. She encouraged stakeholders to place the party’s collective interests above personal ambitions.

In addition, Akpoti-Uduaghan called for the organisation of an inclusive and credible national convention that complies with the guidelines of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). She said such a process would help restore confidence among party members and demonstrate the PDP’s commitment to democratic values.

She added that Nigerians are observing the PDP closely and expect it to show that it remains capable of providing credible leadership. According to her, unity and transparency in the party’s internal processes will be essential if it hopes to regain national trust ahead of the 2027 elections.

PDP Faces Internal Divisions Ahead of 2027

The reconciliation call comes amid lingering disputes within the PDP over the conduct and legality of its national convention, disputes that have resulted in multiple court cases and heightened tensions among different factions within the party.

The PDP governed Nigeria from 1999 until 2015, when it lost power to the All Progressives Congress (APC). Since then, the party has struggled with recurring leadership disagreements and internal divisions.

Political analysts say the opposition party’s ability to resolve these disputes and rebuild internal cohesion could play a crucial role in determining its competitiveness in the 2027 general elections.