PDP Crisis ‘Family Quarrel’, Should End Now, Says Gbenga Hashim

Former presidential candidate, Gbenga Hashim, has described the internal legal dispute within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as a ‘family quarrel’ that should come to an end following the judgment of the Court of Appeal, in a ruling reshaping the party’s leadership dispute, which invalidated the party’s Ibadan convention and upheld the suspension of Samuel Anyanwu as national secretary.

The court ruling has now pushed party leaders toward a negotiated settlement.

The decision has also renewed calls within the party to resolve months of disagreements that eventually ended up in court, with senior figures now pushing for talks aimed at harmonising positions and restoring stability within the opposition party ahead of future political contests.

In a statement on Monday, Dr. Hashim maintained that leaders from the contending sides had already agreed in principle to work toward common ground through ongoing talks and negotiations.

“This is a family quarrel that must now end at the Appeal Court.

” Leaders on both sides have agreed in principle to unite and harmonise positions in all the talks and negotiations we have heard,” he said.

He also expressed optimism that the reconciliation efforts would succeed, noting that party members and many Nigerians are eager to see a united opposition.

“We trust that this unity would be achieved by the grace of God. Nigerians earnestly expect this and posterity demands it,” he added.

The Peoples Democratic Party has in recent months been dealing with internal disagreements and legal battles among rival factions, a situation party stakeholders say, must be resolved to restore cohesion and strengthen the party ahead of future political contests.

Since 2023 General Elections, no fewer than nine PDP governors have left the party, citing an irreconcilable crisis.