TOWARDS-THE-AMICABLE-SETTLEMENT-OF-THE-LINGERING-LEADERSHIP-TUSSLE-IN-THE-PDP:-A-CALL-FOR-THE-APPLICATION-OF THE-ALTERNATIVE-DISPUTE RESOLUTION-(ADR)-MECHANISM
TOWARDS THE AMICABLE SETTLEMENT OF THE LINGERING LEADERSHIP TUSSLE IN THE PDP: A CALL FOR THE APPLICATION OF THE ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION (ADR) MECHANISM
Date: 02/05/2026
By: Dr. Abdulmumuni Akaba Aliyu, Lagos
Tel: +234 803 304 7370
THE CRISIS AND THE PROPOSED SOLUTION
The current leadership crisis within the People's Democratic Party (PDP) has reached a critical juncture. Conflicting claims from two factions have created a deep-seated problem that threatens the very survival of the party. To avoid total collapse, there is an urgent need for a shift away from complicated court litigations, which rarely offer amicable resolutions.
The only feasible path forward is the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) framework—specifically Mediation and Reconciliation. ADR offers a "Win-Win" strategy where there is no victor and no vanquished, ensuring the party remains intact.
THE ROADMAP TO RECONCILIATION
To initiate this process, the two factional leaders must meet within two days of this publication to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This MoU will serve as the foundation for:
- The immediate cessation of all ongoing litigations.
- The withdrawal of all pending court cases.
- The formation of a New National Caretaker Committee (NCC), which will also function as the National Mediation and Reconciliation Panel.
STRUCTURE OF THE NEW NATIONAL CARETAKER COMMITTEE
- Leadership: To be headed by a Neutral Chairman from the North Central Geopolitical Zone. Neutrality is non-negotiable for the ADR mechanism to succeed.
- Composition: A 25-member committee consisting of 12 nominees from each faction (2 per geopolitical zone) plus the Neutral Chairman.
- Inclusivity: Of the 12 nominees from each faction, at least 3 must be women, ensuring a minimum of 6 women in the 25-man committee.
- Authority: Upon formation, this committee effectively dissolves the existing two separate factional National Working Committees (NWCs).
- Tenure: An 18-month mandate to oversee party primaries, electioneering campaigns, and the INEC general elections, culminating in a Unity National Convention.
PROPOSED MEETING OF CRITICAL STAKEHOLDERS
Date: Tuesday, 5th of May 2026
Time: 11:00 AM
Venue: PDP NEC Hall, Wadata Plaza, Abuja
Suggested Stakeholders:
- H.E. Bala Mohammed
- H.E. Seyi Makinde
- Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, SAN
- H.E. Nyesom Ezenwo Wike
- Hon. Abdulrahman Mohammed
- Sen. Samuel Anyanwu
(Factions are free to select alternate representatives and chairmen for this meeting.)
PORTFOLIO ALLOCATION AND FINANCIAL CONTROL
To ensure fairness, the portfolios will be divided into two "baskets," with factional leaders picking lots randomly:
THE GREEN BASKET THE RED BASKET
National Organizing Secretary National Secretary
National Legal Adviser National Publicity Secretary
National Treasurer National Financial Secretary
Deputy National Secretary National Auditor
National Youth Leader National Women Leader
Financial Safeguards:
- Budgeting: Funded on a 50:50 basis by both factions.
- Approvals: The National Secretary processes requests; the National Chairman provides final approval.
- Signatories: Primary signatories are the National Treasurer AND National Financial Secretary. (The Chairman and Secretary serve as secondary backups only).
CONCLUSION
This is a Time-Bound Rescue Mission. Any further delay endangers the existence of the biggest party in Africa. By applying the principles of Negotiation, Mediation, and Conciliation, the PDP can emerge stronger and more united.
MAY GOD HELP NIGERIA.
DR. ABDULMUMUNI AKABA ALIYU
MCIA, MNIM, MISSN, MIBA, FMST, JP
Veteran Security Expert and Public Affairs Analyst.
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