Dr Adetokunbo Pearse, a senior Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) figure in Lagos State, has described the party as more united and strategically focused following its recent national convention. He emphasised that the PDP is committed to preventing Nigeria from becoming a one-party state.
Speaking to NAN on Monday, Pearse, who is also the Convener of Reset Lagos PDP and a former governorship aspirant, said the convention successfully removed elements undermining the party’s functionality and fostered cohesion across all levels.
“The convention was peaceful, legitimate, and representative,” he said, refuting claims of boycotts or poor participation by certain groups. “We have weeded out double agents and internal saboteurs. The PDP is now a cleaner, stronger, and more united party.”
Pearse stated that the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) has a renewed mandate to manage party affairs over the next four years, ensuring open and transparent congresses and primaries. He stressed that the expulsion of some chieftains during the convention reflected collective decisions rather than the preferences of any individual, including governors.
Addressing accusations of factional interference, Pearse singled out former Rivers Governor Nyesom Wike, saying he had attempted to influence party operations through alternative structures, including the control of Wadata Plaza, the PDP’s national secretariat.
He added that the PDP is now better positioned to identify its genuine members and rebuild ahead of the 2027 elections, with internal democracy, transparency, and fairness as top priorities.
On the issue of governors defecting from the party, Pearse said electoral success is not determined by the number of governors a party commands, pointing to the results of the 2023 general elections as evidence.
“Unity within the PDP is essential to preventing the consolidation of a one-party system in Nigeria,” he concluded.
