PDP crisis: Turaki gives conditions for peace to return

PDP crisis: Turaki gives conditions for peace to return

By Jude Opara, Abuja

The Tanimu Turaki led faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Wednesday said his group is ready for a peaceful resolution of the crisis, provided the two warring factions come together to agree on a common position.

Turaki who addressed newsmen after a two-day meeting of his National Working Committee (NWC) said all hope is never lost, because the party has a window of having an out of court settlement , as advised by the Court of Appeal in Ibadan, the Oyo state capital.

He said despite the fact that both camps have instituted court cases against each other, they are all interested in resolving the issue so as to give Nigerians the desired hope they are looking for.

“As soon as we reach agreeable terms, which we will honour even in the Court of Appeal, we will willingly withdraw all cases—whether at the Federal High Court, Court of Appeal, Supreme Court, or elsewhere—to give peace a chance.

“All cases will give way for peace as soon as we reach that point. We are ready to make all sorts of sacrifices in the overall interest of the party. PDP will not die.

“As a senior lawyer, I can say that the best judges would advise parties to explore out-of-court settlements whenever possible. We have chosen the path of peace in the overall interest of party members, particularly our teeming supporters who want PDP to remain an effective platform for the forthcoming elections.”

On the possibility of his faction attending the National Convention scheduled by the group loyal to Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike, Turaki assured that nothing would be left behind in the quest for a peaceful resolution of the crisis.

“Everything possible will be done to make this reconciliation work; nothing is impossible. Issues such as attendance at the convention are among those to be discussed. Once these matters are deliberated, the parties and delegates will decide whether the convention needs to continue. These issues are on the table and will be considered carefully.

“We have hope and confidence that we can still work together. We have confidence that in life there are times to fight and there are also times to make peace. But even when you choose to fight and go to war and win the war, you also need to win the peace. So if you have a pathway to winning the peace without necessarily going to war, why not take peace and forego the war”?

The former Minister for National Planning added that one unique attributes of the PDP is its resilience and the ability to overcome issues since 1998 when it was founded.

He assured all aspirants who have remained steadfast that the party will field candidates for all elective offices.