By Philip Yatai
Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) says its legal storm is over and that it’s now time for reconciliation and rebuilding trust for unity.
Chairman of the party’s Board of Trustees (BoT), Sen. Mao Ohuabunwa, stated this at the 85th meeting of the BoT, in Abuja on Monday.
Ohuabunwa noted that the party was at a critical crossroads, urging leaders to put collective interest above personal ambition.
Welcoming the Federal High Court judgment in Ibadan, which affirmed the legitimacy of the Abdulrahman Mohammed-led National Caretaker Committee, Ohuabunwa called on party members to respect the judiciary and comply with lawful decisions.
According to him, unity is 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 party would overcome its internal crisis, reaffirming the BoT and the National Caretaker Committee’s commitment to unity, respect for court rulings and preparations for outstanding congresses ahead of a national convention.
He noted that PDP had weathered months of turbulence, marked by leadership disputes and legal battles, but survived due to its strong institutions and adherence to constitutional order.
According to him, the delay in conducting party congresses was a deliberate and cautious decision taken out of respect for pending judicial processes, not an abdication of responsibility.
“The PDP chose legality over expediency and patience over provocation. History will judge the party kindly for upholding the rule of law,” he said.
Ohuabunwa warned against divisive rhetoric and actions capable of undermining democratic institutions, stressing that the moral authority of the board lies in fairness, balance and due process.
In his remarks, Mohammed 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 Federal Capital Territory, Mr Nyesom Wike, for standing by the caretaker committee, stressing that his support had strengthened the resolve to reposition the party.
He said that 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 put PDP back on track.
The caretaker chairman said that the Federal High Court in Ibadan had delivered a declaratory judgment in favour of the committee, stressing that the law was clear and that justice would continue to be pursued for the party.
Mohammed described PDP as the only political party built around the people, with nationwide structures, coherence and verifiable legacies.
He, however, warned that the party could not afford to sleep at this critical time.
Mohammed commended party stakeholders across the country for their unwavering support during what he described as “defining times” for the opposition party.(NAN)
Edited by ‘Wale Sadeeq
