Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors’ Forum and Governor of Bauchi State, Bala Mohammed, has said the party is open to welcoming back former members who left out of impatience, while emphasising the need for unity and discipline within the party.
Governor Mohammed made the remarks at the PDP’s 101st National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held on Thursday in Abuja.
The meeting brought together key party leaders to discuss how to strengthen the PDP as the main opposition party and prepare it to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in future elections.
Speaking on behalf of PDP governors, Governor Mohammed praised the National Working Committee (NWC) for their flexibility and urged members to put the party’s interests above personal ambitions.
“We sympathise with those who became impatient and left, but certainly, they will come to understand. We are keeping the door open for them to return, within a reasonable timeframe,” he said.
He stressed the PDP’s determination to provide Nigerians with a reliable and credible political platform.
“We are working quietly behind the scenes with the NWC, the Board of Trustees (BoT), our lawmakers in the National Assembly, and party chapters across the six geopolitical zones, to ensure we remain united,” he added.
Governor Mohammed also issued a strong warning against acts of indiscipline, which he blamed for many of the party’s past troubles.
“We will not continue to tolerate indiscipline because it is the root cause of the problems we’ve faced in the past,” he declared.
He applauded the NWC for showing a willingness to make sacrifices, including stepping down before the end of their tenure, in the interest of party unity.
“They’ve shown that they’re with us. We must appreciate that. If everyone insists on holding their ground stubbornly, we won’t make progress,” he said.
Governor Mohammed also underlined the PDP’s position as the leader of any possible opposition alliance ahead of future polls.
“Whether it’s called a coalition or alliance, the PDP should be at the forefront of driving it,” he stated.
He praised the efforts of the party’s founding fathers for restoring the PDP’s public image, and assured them that current leaders are committed to preserving that legacy.
“We are the sons of the founding fathers, and we are ready to work with you to ensure that personal interests do not divide us,” he said.
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