PDP Gubernatorial Candidates Show Solidarity with Turaki-Led INWC

Gubernatorial candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, on Saturday paid a solidarity visit to the Interim National Working Committee, INWC, under the chairmanship of Kabiru Turaki, SAN, in Abuja. The delegation, led by the Plateau State gubernatorial candidate, Sunday Biggs, aimed to encourage the INWC to undertake a strategic plan to sensitize and unify the party, particularly at the grassroots level. This move is crucial as the party faces challenges and strives to remain a dominant force in Nigerian politics.

The visit also sought to energize the leadership to pursue the appeal to the Supreme Court with urgency, competence, and necessary legal preparation. Biggs emphasized the importance of the INWC establishing a broader platform for reconciliation and constructive engagement among aggrieved party members. The candidates reaffirmed their commitment to the PDP, stressing the need for unity, courage, and respect for the rule of law to overcome current challenges and secure the party's future.

The Forum of Gubernatorial Candidates, comprising leaders such as Ladi Hassan from Kwara, Joel Danlami from Taraba, and Caleb Andrew Myebangara from Adamawa, among others, expressed their support for the INWC. They urged the committee to remain focused, courageous, and committed to preserving the party. The candidates assured the INWC of their cooperation, loyalty, and readiness to contribute to rebuilding the PDP into a stronger, more united, and electorally competitive institution.

Responding to the visit, National Chairman of the INWC, Kabiru Turaki, acknowledged the message of the candidates, emphasizing the need for the PDP to survive. Turaki expressed his agreement with the candidates that the party must remain united and strong. He assured party members that the Authentic PDP would survive, stating, "For us, whatever we are doing is to ensure that the only surviving legacy party in Nigeria, which is the People’s Democratic Party, does not go down."

Turaki disclosed that the INWC has taken legal steps to seek redress, instructing its team of lawyers to study and advise on the Court of Appeal's verdict. He confirmed that the party would meet with its legal team to assess the judgment and determine the next course of action. The INWC chairman assured that the party would continue to survive and remain a dominant force in Nigerian politics, despite any machinations by individuals or groups.

The INWC chairman also mentioned that the party's Board of Trustees had not filed a new case in court but rather sought to have existing judgments from various courts, including the Supreme Court, interpreted. These judgments, according to Turaki, affirm the INWC's legitimacy and the emergence of PDP candidates for the 2027 elections. The party hopes that the Supreme Court will see through its grievances and grant justice.

The PDP gubernatorial candidates' visit to the INWC demonstrates their commitment to the party's survival and success. The INWC's efforts to unify the party and pursue legal action to protect its interests are seen as crucial steps towards ensuring the PDP's continued relevance in Nigerian politics. The party's ability to overcome its current challenges and present a united front will be essential in determining its prospects in the 2027 elections.

Key points

• The PDP gubernatorial candidates have shown solidarity with the Turaki-led INWC, emphasizing the need for party unity and a strong legal strategy to ensure the party's survival.