The leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has met with former governors and ministers of the party, acknowledging past mistakes and pledging to reposition the party ahead of future elections.
Addressing the gathering in Abuja, PDP National Chairman, Tanimu Turaki, said the party’s leadership is determined to reconnect with Nigerians by adopting a new approach to politics and governance.
Turaki commended former PDP governors and ministers for their contributions to the party’s legacy during its 16 years in power, noting that many of the institutions and policies established during that period remain relevant today.
Despite efforts to discredit the party, he said Nigerians continue to express nostalgia for the PDP era.
“It is on record that the PDP grew the Nigerian economy, lifted the country from its debt burden, built infrastructure and strengthened institutions that continue to support governance at all levels,” Turaki said.
However, he admitted that the party had made mistakes, stressing that the purpose of the meeting was to engage in honest reflection and chart a new path forward.
“This is a family meeting. We must tell ourselves the truth. Yes, mistakes were made. We are human and not infallible, but the strength of the PDP is our willingness to admit those mistakes and correct them,” he said, describing the session as a “no-holds-barred” engagement.
Speaking on behalf of former PDP ministers, the chairman of the forum, Ibrahim Shekarau, said many Nigerians now long for the period before 2015, when the All Progressives Congress took over power at the centre.
The former Kano State governor said Nigerians have experienced the APC-led administration and are now better positioned to make informed choices.
He urged party members to remain courageous, committed and determined, expressing confidence that the current PDP leadership has the capacity to return the party to power in 2027.
Also speaking, Chairman of the Forum of Former PDP Ministers, Dr Babangida Aliyu, said the party must reconnect with the grassroots to regain public trust.
Aliyu, a former governor of Niger State, said Nigerians have expressed deep dissatisfaction with governance since 2015.
“Our responsibility is to ensure that by 2027, we can offer Nigerians hope, relief and a credible alternative,” he said, calling on party members to work collectively toward restoring confidence in the PDP.
