Chidinma Iroegbu
Fresh reconciliation moves are underway within the Peoples Democratic Party following mediation efforts led by presidential aspirant Gbenga Hashim, who has urged party leaders to prioritise unity and end prolonged internal disputes threatening the party’s stability.
Party insiders disclosed that Hashim, a founding member of the PDP in 1998 and former presidential candidate, began quiet consultations in January with key stakeholders across rival factions to address tensions triggered by legal battles and political disagreements.
Sources within the party said the reconciliation initiative initially involved discussions with leaders of the Turaki bloc before extending to engagement with Mallam Abdulrahman, a leading figure linked to the faction associated with former Rivers State governor Nyesom Wike.
According to party officials familiar with the process, the consultations focused on the risks posed by continued litigation within the party and the potential impact on its readiness for future elections.
“Extended court battles could weaken the party’s institutional strength and its electoral preparedness,” a source quoted Hashim as telling stakeholders during the mediation process.
As part of the reconciliation drive, Hashim also held consultations with former Heads of State, Olusegun Obasanjo and Ibrahim Babangida, both of whom played influential roles during the early years of the PDP.
Sources said the elder statesmen encouraged party leaders to pursue unity, warning that internal instability could undermine the party’s competitiveness in Nigeria’s political landscape.
The reconciliation effort gained additional momentum during proceedings at the Court of Appeal of Nigeria sitting in Ibadan, where justices reportedly advised parties involved in the dispute to explore settlement and internal conflict resolution.
Party insiders revealed that backchannel communications intensified last weekend, resulting in what they described as an agreement in principle among factions to begin harmonising positions regardless of the pending court ruling.
“The temperature has dropped. People are talking again,” a senior party official said, adding that many aspirants seeking elective positions believe their political ambitions depend on a united party.
Political observers say the reconciliation push could help restore cohesion within the PDP leadership and reposition the party as a credible opposition platform ahead of the next electoral cycle.