The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has established a reconciliation committee led by former Senate President Bukola Saraki as part of efforts to unite aggrieved members ahead of the party’s crucial National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting scheduled for the end of May.
This decision was made during a high-level gathering at the Abuja residence of the Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum and Governor of Bauchi State, Bala Mohammed, on Sunday night.
The meeting brought together key figures in the party, including the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, who was present but did not address the media. Also in attendance were Governors Ademola Adeleke of Osun, Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau, Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa, Seyi Makinde of Oyo, and Peter Mbah of Enugu. Former governors such as Liyel Imoke (Cross River), Achike Udenwa (Imo), Olagunsoye Oyinlola (Osun), Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia), and Seriake Dickson (Bayelsa) also participated in the meeting, along with Acting PDP National Chairman Umar Damagun and former Caretaker Committee Chairman Ahmed Markafi.
Briefing journalists after the meeting, Governor Mohammed said the gathering aimed to lay the groundwork for a peaceful NEC session and a national convention later in the year. He explained that inviting former governors was a deliberate move to harness their experience in resolving the party’s internal disputes.
Addressing concerns about recent defections from the PDP to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Mohammed said the party is undeterred and is actively strategizing to reclaim influence in states currently governed by the PDP. The defection of Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, along with his predecessor Ifeanyi Okowa and other top officials, to the APC last month has heightened internal tensions.
The PDP has faced a series of internal crises since the 2023 general elections, with factional disputes and political realignments further complicating its cohesion. The ongoing conflict between former Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike and his successor, Sim Fubara, remains unresolved despite repeated mediation attempts by party structures including the National Working Committee, Board of Trustees, and Governors’ Forum.
The wave of defections continued at the National Assembly, where three senators from Kebbi State; Adamu Aliero, Yahaya Abdullahi, and Garba Maidoki, recently joined the APC following a meeting with President Bola Tinubu. These developments have fueled concerns among opposition leaders, who warn of a growing trend toward a one-party political system in Nigeria.