Former presidential candidate and founding member of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, has called for urgent reconciliation within the party amid its escalating internal crisis.

Olawepo-Hashim made the call following the factional convention held in Ibadan, Oyo State, despite conflicting court orders and an existing judgment restraining the faction from proceeding with the exercise.

He said the development further highlights the growing divisions within the opposition party.

Olawepo-Hashim recalled the party’s formation 27 years ago, noting that it emerged from the merger of several political associations through broad consultations and compromise. He said the PDP’s founders built a platform aimed at strengthening democratic governance, promoting federalism and ensuring national unity.

He added that the party’s early successes, including winning a majority of seats in the 1998 local government elections, were achieved through an inclusive and consultative approach.

According to him, the ongoing disputes, legal battles and internal exclusion pose risks to the party’s foundational principles.

He urged party leaders to embrace dialogue and reconciliation to stabilise the PDP and strengthen Nigeria’s democracy.