LAGOS — The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is intensifying internal reconciliation efforts to avert disruptions to its forthcoming National Convention, following a court order halting the exercise.
A chieftain of the party in Lagos State, Prince ’Laja Adeoye, on Sunday appealed to aggrieved members to withdraw their court cases and embrace dialogue to safeguard the unity and stability of the PDP ahead of the scheduled convention.
Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, had recently restrained the PDP from holding its National Convention slated for November 15 and 16 in Ibadan, Oyo State, citing alleged breaches of the party’s constitution and the Electoral Act, including failure to conduct valid congresses in some states and to give the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) the required 21-day notice.
Adeoye, however, maintained that internal disputes should be resolved through the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanism embedded in the PDP constitution rather than through prolonged court battles that could weaken the party.
“The PDP has its own constitutional process for conflict resolution, and every loyal member should respect that,” he said.
He noted that the Supreme Court had previously affirmed the PDP’s constitutional power to handle its internal affairs without external interference, insisting that the recent Abuja court ruling should not derail the party’s preparations for the convention.
According to Adeoye, the leadership of the party is working round the clock to reconcile aggrieved factions and ensure that all pending issues are resolved before the convention date.
“This is not the time for division or suspicion; it is the time to rebuild and strengthen our foundation,” he stated, urging members to prioritise the unity and progress of the PDP over personal ambitions.
He revealed that the party had also suspended some officers accused of undermining its progress and advised them to appear before the disciplinary committee to clear their names, saying such actions would help restore confidence, discipline, and inclusiveness within the PDP.
Adeoye expressed optimism that the convention would go ahead as planned and would produce a new, united leadership capable of repositioning the PDP for greater electoral success.