Victor EzejaPerturbed by the lingering internal wrangling in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the Lagos State chapter organised a reconciliation meeting over the weekend in Lagos where its factions resolved to unite.
The party members in the state met at the Victoria Island residence of Alhaji Muritala Ashorobi, the first Chairman of the Lagos PDP and the Chairman of the Reconciliation Committee on Sunday, 9 March 2025.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelTheir goal, according to a communique released after the meeting, was to unite and challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 general elections. They vowed to defeat the APC in 2027 in the state.
Prominent members of the party in attendance were former Deputy National Chairman of the party, Leader of the party in South-West and Board of Trustees (BoT) life member, Chief Olabode George; former minister, Dr. Abimbola Ogunkelu, former BoT member; Chief (Mrs) Aduke Maina; the state Chairman, Hon. Philip Aivoji; Captain Tunji Shelle (rtd), Alhaji Ramoni Owokoniran, Dr. Niran Adeniji, members of the Reconciliation Committee and State Exco.
Key Highlights of the Reconciliation meeting
Unity and Mobilisation: The meeting resolved to maintain the status quo within the party and emphasised the need for all members to unite. Party leaders urged members across the 20 local government areas in Lagos State to mobilize support to wrest power from the APC in 2027.
Warning Against Anti-Party Activities: The PDP issued a strong warning to members allegedly working for the APC in secret, demanding they either cease such activities or leave the party immediately. Anti-party activities were declared intolerable, with strict disciplinary measures stipulated for violations.
Commitment to Defeat APC: The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to defeating the APC, citing the party’s failure to meet the expectations of Nigerians. They vowed to work collectively to ensure the APC is voted out in 2027.
Significance of the Reconciliation
The reconciliation is said to mark a critical step for the PDP in Lagos State, which has been plagued by internal divisions. By uniting its factions, the party aims to present a formidable front against the APC, which has dominated Lagos politics for years. The emphasis on discipline and mobilisation underscores the PDP’s strategic focus on reclaiming power in the 2027 elections.
This development signals a renewed vigor within the Lagos PDP and sets the stage for an intense political battle in the coming years.
Reconciliation Meeting: a Genuine Unity or a Tactical Move?
While the reconciliation appears to be a significant step toward unity, questions remain about its authenticity. The PDP has a history of internal divisions, and some skeptics argue that this move may be more about optics than a deep-rooted resolution of conflicts. However, the presence of high-profile leaders like Bode George and the issuance of a communiqué suggest a concerted effort to align the party’s goals.
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The Strategy to Break APC’s Hold
The PDP plans to adopt the strategy of members mobilising Lagosians across all 20 local government areas, and strengthening grassroots engagement.
The party is also toeing the line of building narratives (campaigns) that capitalize on the perceived failures of the APC, particularly its alleged inability to meet the expectations of Nigerians to sway electorates.
Also, its move to enforce discipline, warning against anti-party activities, is seen as a strategy to prevent sabotage and ensure loyalty within the ranks.
Challenges Ahead
Despite the reconciliation, the PDP faces significant challenges in its quest to take over Lagos.
Some of the challenges include:
APC’s Dominance: The APC has a stronghold in Lagos, with a well-established political machinery and significant financial resources. Overcoming this dominance will require more than just unity within the PDP. During the 2023 general election, APC won by a wide margin. It recorded over 762,000 votes, followed by the Labour Party, 312,329 votes, and the PDP, which came third, scored 62449 votes.
Internal Skepticism: Some party members may remain doubtful of the reconciliation, especially if past grievances are not fully addressed. Sustaining this unity will be critical.
Voter Trust: The PDP must rebuild trust among Lagosians, many of whom may view the party’s internal conflicts as a sign of instability.
Though APC has dominance as the ruling party in Lagos, there are also indications that the prevalence of antiparty activities perpetrated by PDP members in the state. The governorship candidate in Lagos during the 2023 general election, Olajide Jandor, in an interview with News Central recently, alleged that some party leaders secretly worked for other parties which affected the PDP in Lagos. He said such has been their stock in trade for years, adding that he was not their first victim. He said the party at the national level should have done the needful by reprimanding those involved in such acts. Jandor, who recently announced his exit from the PDP, warned that if nothing is done to address the issues, it will affect the fortune of the party going forward.
The PDP’s reconciliation marks a critical step in its bid to challenge the APC in 2027. However, the success of this strategy will depend on the party’s ability to maintain unity, effectively mobilize voters, and present a compelling alternative to the APC. While the reconciliation is a positive development, it remains to be seen whether it will translate into electoral success or if it is merely a temporary truce for political expediency.
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with six years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Masters degree in Mass Communication.
