Stakeholders of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Kogi State on Saturday resolved to close ranks and work as a team to reposition the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The resolution was reached at a consultative summit held in Lokoja, the state capital.
The meeting was convened to unite members and resolve differences caused by factionalism.
PDP Stakeholders vowed to claim all elective positions to be contested in the next general elections.
They also expressed confidence in the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to conduct free, fair and transparent polls, while the summit urged leaders and members to support the ongoing e-registration of members.
It cautioned members against unauthorised registration portals circulating in the media space.
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central senatorial district and also the leader of the party in the state, called for unity.
She asked members to warmly receive returnees and new entrants to fortify the party, saying that the PDP remained visible in all nooks and crannies of the state.
She however noted that the internal rift had been resolved, with INEC recognising the party’s executive committee. “Let us bury our hatchet and work as a team,” she said.
“The friction within the party has been resolved. INEC has recognised the executive committee, “We are back and better, assuring that the PDP would be on the ballot in the 2027 general elections.
The senator appealed for grassroots mobilisation to make the PDP the party of first choice in Kogi, “This is the time of alignment and realignment, “this calls for concerted effort to embrace everyone,” she added
“You are to manage expectations of diverse groups who intend to join our party, We are not expected to be confrontational in our approach,” she said, saying PDP is already a brand,”
She advised that “Old and new entrants have equal rights and can aspire to any position,” she said.
On her next political move, Uduaghan said she would consult her family and political leaders, I would declare my aspiration in the interest of the party. “When I make up my mind to contest, I will campaign vigorously across Kogi Central, expressing her confidence that her constituents would support her.
She commended INEC’s leadership for its integrity, urging the commission and security agencies not to be compromise in favour of the ruling party, according to her, “The whole world is watching with keen interest,” she warned.
Sen. Nathasha commended stakeholders for their resilience in sticking with the PDP, assuring that with collective determination, the party would stand tall in 2027.
In his own remarks, Alhaji Mohammed Abdullahi, popularly known as Elephant, announced his return to the PDP.
He had defected to the ADC before returning back, Abdullahi vowed to contribute to repositioning the party.
To demonstrate his commitment, he donated cash to support the e-registration project.
Also speaking, Hassan Idris, HK, a senatorial hopeful from Kogi East, pledged to help the PDP bounce back. He promised “something magical and meticulous” beyond the expectations of naysayers.
Earlier, the State Chairman of the party, Hon. Mohammed Gambo, welcomed leaders, stakeholders and members to the meeting, calling for unity and renewed commitment to rebuilding the party.
Mohammed Sani Gambo appealed to members to work in unison, noting that the PDP had all it takes to reclaim the state, he commended members for their long-standing commitment to the party.
Gambo called for total support for Senator Natasha in her next political aspiration, advised members to mobilise ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Former member of the House of Representatives for Kabba/Ijumu Federal Constituency, Hon. Tajudeen Yusuf, popularly known as TJ, charged members to intensify the party’s e-registration exercise.
“Our strength is in our numbers. I urge every ward, every unit to drive the e-registration. That is how we prepare for victory,” Yusuf said.
Dignitaries at the summit included three-term House of Representatives member Tajudeen Yusuf, former Reps members, Hon. Abdulrahman Badamasiyiu, Hon. Shaba Ibrahim and former Governorship aspirant, Abubakar Ibrahim Idris.
Also present were former Deputy Speaker Aliyu Akuh, Paul Ukwenya, Yahaya Karaku
.
