The Peoples Democratic Party has appointed former Senate President Bukola Saraki to head a reconciliation committee aimed at addressing internal disputes ahead of its National Executive Committee meeting scheduled for later this month.
The decision was made during a high-level meeting held Sunday night at the Abuja residence of the PDP Governors’ Forum Chairman and Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed.
The gathering was attended by key party stakeholders, including the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, though he did not address the media.
Present at the meeting were several serving governors, including Ademola Adeleke (Osun), Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau), Ahmadu Fintiri (Adamawa), Seyi Makinde (Oyo), and Peter Mbah (Enugu). Former governors in attendance included Liyel Imoke (Cross River), Achike Udenwa (Imo), Olagunsoye Oyinlola (Osun), Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia), and Seriake Dickson (Bayelsa).
Also in attendance were the PDP Acting National Chairman, Umar Damagun, former Caretaker Committee Chairman, Ahmed Makarfi, and other members of the National Working Committee.
Speaking to journalists after the meeting, Governor Mohammed explained that the gathering was part of efforts to ensure a unified front ahead of the NEC meeting. He noted that former governors were invited to lend their experience in addressing ongoing challenges within the party.
According to him, “the invitation of the former governors was done to tap from their experiences, so they could resolve some of the internal challenges and prepare the ground for a rancour-free NEC meeting and a national convention later in the year.”
Commenting on recent defections from the party, Governor Mohammed downplayed concerns, saying the defections would only serve to strengthen the party in the long run. He added that the PDP was actively strategising to reclaim control in states currently led by the opposition.
Concerns have been mounting within the PDP following the defection of Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and key members of his cabinet to the All Progressives Congress, alongside former Delta Governor Ifeanyi Okowa and other officials on April 23.
The party is also grappling with a lingering dispute between former Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike and his successor, Governor Siminalayi Fubara—a conflict that has defied resolution despite several mediation attempts by the PDP leadership, including interventions by the Board of Trustees and the National Working Committee.
At the federal level, the PDP recently lost further ground after three senators from Kebbi State—Adamu Aliero (Kebbi Central), Yahaya Abdullahi (Kebbi North), and Garba Maidoki (Kebbi South)—defected to the APC following a meeting with President Bola Tinubu. The development has fueled concerns among opposition leaders about a potential drift toward a one-party state.
