Papua New Guinea's People's National Congress party, or PNC, is insisting it remains part of the coalition government.
This is despite the prime minister James Marape this week reshuffling cabinet and requesting the party of his predecessor Peter O'Neill leave government.
The Papua New Guinea Parliament building in Port Moresby. Photo: RNZ Pacific/ Koroi Hawkins
With 21 MPs, including eight with ministries, the PNC is the second biggest party in the parliament, after Mr Marape's Pangu Party with around 30 MPs..
Following the reshuffle the PNC had a caucus meeting. Housing Minister Justin Tkatchenko said the party's MPs unanimously agreed to stay committed to Mr Marape's government.
"The prime minister has come out and said 'put party politics aside now, we must get on with running the country and looking after our people, and making things happen'.
"We're happy to hear that, and we will be fully supporting James Marape through to the elections," Mr Tkatchenko said.
Earlier this week, Mr Marape sacked the National Planning Minister Richard Maru, the most senior minister from the PNC.
The prime minister also requested the party leave his coalition government, citing it as a 'bad influence' and accusing Mr O'Neill of undermining his leadership.
Papua New Guinea APEC minister Justin Tkatchenko standing infront of APEC House in Port Moresby. Photo: RNZ / Koroi Hawkins
Mr Tkatchenko admitted there was a strained dynamic between the two leaders who were formerly very close.
"Now there's been a falling out between Peter O'Neill and the prime minister. And it's for them to resolve that.," he said.
"But at the end of the day, all the ministers came together to ensure we make sure that we have an understanding that we are going forward wih the prime minister, we are totally committed and loyal to that job."
Other PNC ministers who RNZ Pacific has spoken to also insist the party is not gong to opposition, despite the prime minister's request.