…Calls on NEC to transcend factionalism in defence of Nigeria’s democracy
Former presidential candidate and senior figure within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, has expressed confidence that the party’s protracted leadership crisis can be decisively resolved within one week, provided the leadership adopts a pragmatic political approach rather than relying on extended legal proceedings.
Dr. Hashim made this position known during a consultative meeting with the PDP National Chairman, Ambassador Tanimu Turaki (SAN), as part of broader efforts aimed at securing an out-of-court settlement to the party’s internal leadership dispute.
The PDP chieftain, who was among the party’s original conveners in 1998 and served as its first elected Deputy National Publicity Secretary, stressed that a political resolution is critical not only to the survival of the PDP but also to the preservation of Nigeria’s multiparty democratic system.
According to him, the party’s constitution already provides sufficient legal and procedural authority to resolve the impasse internally without recourse to litigation. He noted that the National Executive Committee (NEC) possesses the constitutional capacity to convene and take decisive action within a short timeframe.
“There are more than enough constitutionally valid members of the NEC to meet and resolve this crisis within one week,” Hashim stated.
He referenced Sections 3(1) and 3(4) of the PDP Constitution, which empower two-thirds of NEC members to convene a meeting, arguing that the majority of NEC members were elected prior to the disputed Ibadan convention and therefore retain clear and undisputed legitimacy.
Dr. Hashim further explained that while the tenure of some members of the National Working Committee (NWC) expired on December 8, the pre-Ibadan NEC members remain constitutionally empowered to intervene and take corrective steps in the overriding interest of the party.
“What is required at this point is leadership courage and a strong sense of responsibility,” he said, urging NEC members to subordinate factional considerations to the long-term interests of the PDP, Nigeria’s democracy, and future generations.
He cautioned that prolonged internal deadlock could significantly erode the PDP’s effectiveness as a viable opposition party, thereby weakening the country’s democratic equilibrium. “This challenge is solvable, and it must be resolved without delay,” he added.
In his response, Ambassador Tanimu Turaki (SAN) expressed appreciation for Dr. Hashim’s visit and his demonstrated commitment to party unity. He reaffirmed that the current leadership remains open to reconciliation and constructive engagement, while emphasizing that any resolution must safeguard the unity, stability, and continued existence of the PDP.
The meeting, held at Ambassador Turaki’s residence in Asokoro, Abuja, was also attended by the party’s Deputy National Chairman and National Youth Leader.
