For the ongoing efforts at reconciliation to succeed, main stakeholders in the Lagos State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) should be ready to make necessary sacrifice, a stalwart, Dr Adetokunbo Pearse, said at the weekend in Lagos.

Pearse applauded the party for the reconciliation meeting held last week and attended by elders and leaders, saying that the gathering showed that Lagos PDP was on its way to fostering the tenets of democracy, which gives equal opportunity for genuine members.

PDP elders and leaders in the state, including a former deputy National Chairman of the party, Chief Olabode George; former minister, Dr. Abimbola Ogunkelu; Alhaji Muritala Ashorobi, incumbent chairman, Honourable Phillips Aivoji, met in Ikeja, and called for true reconciliation within the fold.

According to them, the buildup to the 2027 general election is a real opportunity for PDP members to bury their differences and forge a common front.

The reconciliation meeting is coming ahead the setting up of state committee by the Senator Bukola Saraki-led PDP national reconciliation committee.

Pearse said it was time for all the leaders and other party faithful to end their fight in order to rebuild the PDP, which they said Lagosians eagerly await to take over power in the state, due to the current hardship in the land.

Pearse, a former governorship candidate and convener, Reset Lagos PDP, while throwing support for every effort to make the state chapter of the opposition party competitive again, argued that coming together in unity was a vital first step.

While commending the convener of the parley, Prince Yomi Ogungbe for the yeoman’s job, Pearse said all would be well if the gathering “keep to their words and don’t resort to the same old method of sharing state positions among themselves.”

He affirmed that honesty is key to achieving a goal like this, pointing out that there was no sharing formula that can satisfy everyone nor a substitute for a free and fair democratic election at all levels; from ward congresses to state to national convention.”

“It was quite thoughtful of Prince Yomi Ogungbe  (Imole Eko) to convene that Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Unity meeting on May 1st, 2024.

“We must applaud every effort to make Lagos PDP competitive again. And coming together in unity is a vital first step, for as the saying goes, ‘A divided house is a defeated house.

“All stakeholders present vowed to work together without a hidden agenda. If they keep to their words and don’t resort to the same old method of sharing state positions among themselves, all will be well. Honesty is key here,” Pearse said.

“No sharing formula can satisfy everyone. There is no substitute for a free and fair democratic election at all levels; from ward congresses to State to National convention.

“This meeting shows that Lagos PDP is on its way back. Needless to say, I am fully in support of any plan which respects the tenets of democracy; that is the principle of equal opportunity for all bona fide party members,” he added.