PDP Founding Father Calls for Party Reunification and Renewal
Former governor and PDP founding father Chief Jim Nwobodo has issued an urgent appeal for unity and reconstruction within Nigeria’s main opposition party, emphasizing the need to restore its former political dominance.
During an emergency meeting in Abuja on Friday, November 8, Nwobodo addressed party leadership and specifically called on FCT Minister Nyesom Wike to help rebuild the party’s foundations. As the oldest PDP member present, he highlighted the party’s historical significance in Nigeria’s democratic journey.
“The PDP is a family,” Nwobodo stated, comparing it to South Africa’s African National Congress (ANC). “My appeal to all of you, and in particular the leadership of our party, is to ensure that the PDP remains the beacon of democracy in Nigeria.”
The elder statesman directed his message to key party figures, including the Acting National Chairman, National Secretary, and Board of Trustees members, encouraging them to initiate reconciliation efforts with former members. He emphasized that many current opposition party members were originally from PDP, which he described as “the mother party” that established democracy in Nigeria’s Fourth Republic.
Nwobodo revealed that numerous former members have expressed interest in returning to the party. He advocated for the formation of a robust reconciliation committee to facilitate their reintegration, suggesting that many await only an invitation to return.
Addressing Minister Wike specifically, Nwobodo praised his transformative work in Abuja, noting the capital’s remarkable development during his tenure. “I entered Abuja after two years of being in Enugu and I could not recognise Abuja,” he remarked, urging Wike to apply similar dedication to revitalizing the PDP.
While acknowledging the challenges ahead, Nwobodo encouraged party leaders to persist in their efforts. “It will not be easy, but no good thing comes easy,” he concluded, emphasizing the importance of honoring the legacy of the party’s founding fathers.
The call for renewal comes at a crucial time for the PDP, which has faced internal challenges and member departures in recent years. The party’s reconstruction efforts could significantly impact Nigeria’s political landscape as it works to reestablish itself as a dominant force in national politics.
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