The People Democratic Party’s board of trustees has called for forgiveness, dialogue and unity to resolve the party’s lingering internal crisis.

The board chairman, Adolphus Wabara, stated this in his remarks at the party National Executive Committee 99th meeting held on Tuesday in Abuja.

“No ambition, grievance, and misunderstanding should ever be allowed to override the collective interests of the party and the hopes of Nigerians yearning for PDP return to national leadership.

“The journey of PDP has been long, sometimes turbulent, but always deeply rooted in members’ collective aspirations for a united, democratic, and prosperous Nigeria,” he said.

Mr Wabara said while the PDP had faced internal and external challenges, and in most cases, self-inflicted challenges, it had also witnessed the enduring strength of its members’ ideals, the resilience of its structures, and the loyalty of millions of Nigerians who still believe in the party as the most credible platform for national transformation.

“Divisions, mistrusts, and lingering grievances within our ranks have at times hampered our progress and blurred our vision. As the party of the people, we must recommit to healing these wounds and restoring faith among our members.

“As chairman of the board of trustees, the conscience of the party, I call on all of us leaders, elders, youths, and stakeholders to embrace reconciliation, not just as a political tactic, but as a moral imperative. We must open our hearts to forgive, to dialogue, and to debate,” he said.

He urged party leaders to initiate a genuine and structural reconciliation process led by respected elders, who would extend their hands of peace to all aggrieved members.

Mr Wabara reiterated the need for the party to remain open to fresh ideas, new members, and all Nigerians who believe in justice, equity, and good governance.

“Let us strengthen our internal democracy, revamp our communication channels, and prioritise policies that directly touch the lives of everyday Nigerians.

“We must begin now to articulate a people-focused vision and present a credible opportunity, not just as critics of the government, but as champions of the future.

“Let this 99th meeting be remembered as a turning point, a moment where we chose unity over division, hope over despair, and service over self-interest. Let us go back to the grassroots with a renewed spirit, a clear purpose, and a firm resolve to reclaim our place as the party that not only knows Nigeria but truly loves Nigeria,” he said.

The chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum, Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, stated that, regardless of intimidation, members of the forum would not abandon their mandates.

He expressed confidence that PDP governors who defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress would return to the party.

“We believe this is not the first time people left PDP and came back. I’m sure they will come back,” he said.

(NAN)