The Peoples Democratic Party has appointed former Senate President Bukola Saraki to head a new committee aimed at reconciling aggrieved members of the party ahead of its National Executive Committee meeting later in May.
This was announced on Sunday night after a meeting at the Abuja residence of Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, who is also the Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum.
The meeting was held to address the internal crisis that has rocked the party since the 2023 general elections. It was attended by key party leaders including the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and several PDP governors and former governors.
Some of the governors at the meeting included Ademola Adeleke (Osun), Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Ahmadu Fintiri (Adamawa), Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau), and Peter Mbah (Enugu). Former governors such as Liyel Imoke (Cross River), Achike Udenwa (Imo), Olagunsoye Oyinlola (Osun), Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia), and Seriake Dickson (Bayelsa) were also present.
Also in attendance were the PDP Acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, and former party caretaker chairman Ahmed Makarfi, among others.
Briefing journalists after the meeting, Governor Mohammed said the reconciliation effort is part of preparations for the NEC meeting and the party’s national convention expected later in the year.
“We invited our former governors and leaders so we can benefit from their experience and find solutions to the internal issues in our party,” he said. “We want a peaceful and united PDP as we move forward.”
When asked about recent defections from the PDP, especially in Delta State, Governor Mohammed said the party was not shaken. “These developments will only make us stronger. We are working on strategies to reclaim lost grounds, especially in states where we still have strong support.”
The PDP has faced several setbacks since losing the 2023 presidential election. Internal disagreements and leadership struggles have caused tension within the party, especially the long-standing dispute between former Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike and his successor, Sim Fubara.
The crisis deepened further last month when Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, along with his predecessor Ifeanyi Okowa and members of his cabinet, joined the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Their defection followed similar moves by three PDP senators from Kebbi State who also joined the APC after meeting with President Bola Tinubu.
Many opposition leaders have expressed concern that these defections could weaken the PDP and push the country toward a one-party system.
With the NEC meeting approaching, Saraki’s committee is expected to move quickly to settle disputes, unite the party, and rebuild confidence among its members.
As of now, no date has been officially announced for the party’s national convention.
