Kawu Baraje, the former Acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has highlighted the importance of reconciliation, restructuring, and rebuilding the party in the aftermath of its recent national convention, amid the internal conflicts that preceded the event.
Baraje articulated his views in an interview with ARISE NEWS, discussing the dynamics within the PDP following the convention.
"In any family or organization, it is common to encounter differing opinions and perspectives that may lead to misunderstandings. The resolution of these misunderstandings depends significantly on how they are managed. Nowadays, if disagreements escalate within a large group like the PDP, it can sometimes lead to legal disputes, which should not be surprising, as we strive for neutral ground," he observed.
He urged the party leadership to reach out and promote unity, describing the current period as critical for reconciliation and rebuilding efforts.
In response to the convention's theme, 'Convention of Inclusiveness, Unity, and Renewal,' Baraje assured that initiatives are in place to reconcile those within the PDP who feel wronged.
"Regarding inclusiveness, it's essential to understand that reconciliation cannot occur without inclusion. We must engage with our members to convey that it is time for everyone to unite, as it once was. To reconcile means to bring everyone together, which reflects our commitment to inclusiveness," he stated.
Addressing unity, Baraje noted that reconciliation fundamentally involves achieving unity. He emphasized the need for dialogues where differing viewpoints can be addressed peacefully, ensuring all voices are heard and acknowledged.
Looking forward to three months from now, Baraje expressed optimism for a transformed party environment filled with unity and cooperation.
When questioned about Nyesom Wike's support for the current president, Baraje characterized Wike's position as a personal opinion.
"Wike played a significant role in encouraging many to return to the party, so if his views change, he is entitled to them," Baraje noted.
He affirmed that while Wike is an important figure in the PDP, claims of any anti-party behavior should be managed according to party rules and regulations.
"Our constitution does not condone anti-party actions. From our standpoint, Wike's actions do not rise to the level of anti-party conduct. If any allegations arise against someone of Wike's stature, our party's constitutional framework provides the means to address such situations," he elaborated.
Addressing concerns that the party's leaders may be too beholden to Wike, Baraje explained the process by which PDP leaders are selected.
"To outsiders, this may appear true, but those actively engaged within the party understand that our leaders are elected based on consensus among the zones within the federation. The positions allocated to each zone are filled through free and fair elections, and this is how we ensure equitable representation," he explained.
On the broader issue of money in politics, Baraje highlighted that this concern transcends any single individual's actions, including Wike's.
"The issue of financial influence in Nigerian politics is not new and certainly does not solely pertain to Wike. Similar challenges have been evident across parties, including the APC. Reports of vote-buying have surfaced during various elections, which illustrates that this is an extensive problem across the political landscape," he remarked.
When asked about the Rainbow Coalition, Baraje stated he was unfamiliar with it, noting that it pertains to Rivers State and is not associated with the PDP.
"I am not knowledgeable about the Rainbow Coalition; it appears to be a local initiative in Rivers that does not connect to our party," he commented.
Baraje urged patience from the public and the media regarding ongoing legal issues, such as the Supreme Court case filed by Danjuma Goje's faction against the PDP.
"I kindly ask for patience from the public, party members, and especially the media at this time," he concluded.
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