By Sulieman Ibrahim
Former Senate President Bukola Saraki has been appointed to lead a seven-member reconciliation committee by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors Forum and former governors, aiming to unify the party ahead of critical upcoming events. This decision follows a pivotal meeting held in Abuja on Monday, where party leaders addressed growing internal conflicts.
The mandate of the committee, as announced by Bauchi State Governor and Chairman of the PDP Governors Forum, Bala Mohammed, is to engage with party members and mend divisions before the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting on May 27 and the National Elective Convention scheduled for August. The PDP has been grappling with internal discord since the 2023 elections, exacerbated by a rift between Rivers State Governor Sim Fubara and former Governor Nyesom Wike, leadership disputes in the South-South zone, and the vacant National Secretary position since December 2024.
Despite previous interventions by the party’s National Working Committee, Board of Trustees, NEC, and the Governors Forum, efforts to resolve these conflicts have only intensified internal divisions, leading to further fragmentation within state and zonal chapters. This unrest has resulted in notable defections to the All Progressives Congress (APC), including the recent switch by Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, and other key officials, which significantly impacted the PDP’s image and its prospects for the 2027 elections.
Governor Mohammed confirmed that the meeting of current and former governors was convened to address these pressing issues and find viable solutions. “We discussed some of the issues relating to our party, some existential issues, of course, that have been circulating in the media and among us, so that we will be able to navigate smoothly for the NEC scheduled to take place on the 27th of this month. By August, we will have an early convention,” he stated.
He emphasized the importance of closing ranks and ensuring unity among party leaders. “Many issues and reports have emerged, and this meeting is an opportunity to close ranks and ensure that, at the very least, there are no ill feelings, no qualms, and no misgivings among the leaders of the party. The governors of the party have reached out to our colleagues who have served before and who have more in-depth experience.”
The establishment of the reconciliation committee, headed by Saraki, aims to facilitate swift reconciliation efforts and outreach. “There are some gaps here and there. We have set up a committee of seven, headed by His Excellency, the former Senate President and former Governor of Kwara State, Bukola Saraki, to ensure that reconciliation efforts and outreach are conducted swiftly. This will help us achieve a very peaceful and harmonious NEC and convention,” Mohammed added.
Regarding the defection of the Delta State Governor, Mohammed acknowledged it as a significant factor prompting the meeting. He reaffirmed the party’s commitment to maintaining strong and resilient PDP chapters. “Well, this is one of the manifestations of a democratic setup like ours, and it is what is compelling us to come together. Rather than weakening us, it is actually making us stronger. We will ensure that the chapters where we have history and established structures are not abandoned.”
While declining to disclose all specific matters discussed, Mohammed confirmed that unity was a central theme. “We talked about unity. Definitely, there are some ill feelings, and we are not here to sweep anything under the carpet. You already know some of the concerns, some of the litigations in court, some of the misgivings among party members. And while we wouldn’t want to blame the APC for causing the crisis, it is likely that they may be involved.”
