In a strategic move to salvage unity ahead of its upcoming National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has appointed former Senate President Dr. Bukola Saraki to head a high-powered reconciliation committee aimed at addressing growing internal discord.
The appointment was announced late Monday night by Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, who chairs the PDP Governors Forum, following a closed-door meeting of top party stakeholders at the Bauchi Governor’s Lodge in Abuja.
Saraki, a former Kwara State governor and one-time Senate President, will lead a seven-member team tasked with mending fractured relationships within the party and restoring confidence among aggrieved members as the PDP prepares for a pivotal national convention and begins early preparations for the 2027 general elections.
“We have constituted a reconciliation committee comprising seven respected party leaders, chaired by His Excellency Dr. Bukola Saraki,” said Governor Mohammed. “Their mandate is to immediately engage with disenchanted stakeholders to ensure a peaceful NEC meeting on May 27 and lay the groundwork for a successful convention.”
Committee Members Include Sitting Governors and Former Leaders
The reconciliation panel includes a mix of current and former party heavyweights: Governor Dauda Lawal (Zamfara), Governor Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau), Governor Peter Mbah (Enugu), Senator Seriake Dickson (Bayelsa West), Senator Ibrahim Dankwambo (Gombe North), and former Abia Governor Okezie Ikpeazu.
A Party in Turmoil
The PDP has been battling persistent internal crises since its loss in the 2023 general elections. Tensions have escalated particularly in the South-south region, where a power tussle between Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor Nyesom Wike has divided the party. In addition, unresolved legal disputes surrounding the position of National Secretary and other national offices continue to fester.
Despite multiple interventions by the National Working Committee (NWC), Board of Trustees (BoT), and past NEC resolutions, cracks within the party remain visible and, in many cases, widening.
Wave of Defections Raise Alarm
Recent defections to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC)—including that of Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and former PDP vice-presidential candidate Ifeanyi Okowa—have only heightened concerns over the PDP’s internal stability. Several federal and state lawmakers have also switched allegiance, citing unresolved grievances.
Governor Mohammed downplayed the defections, framing them as challenges that could ultimately strengthen the party.
“Rather than see this as a weakness, it has become a wake-up call. We are determined to ensure that states where the PDP has deep roots are not abandoned. Our focus remains on unity, transparency, and ensuring a level playing field during the convention.”
Saraki Pledges Commitment to Party Rebuilding
Speaking to journalists after the meeting, Saraki expressed readiness to carry out the committee’s assignment with urgency and tact.
“It was a very engaging and productive meeting. I commend the PDP Governors Forum for coming together at this critical time,” Saraki said. “The committee will immediately begin reaching out to stakeholders across the country. Our objective is to ensure a rancour-free NEC meeting on May 27 and set the stage for a convention that will unify and energize the party ahead of 2027.”
APC Accused of Capitalizing on PDP’s Disunity
In a veiled accusation, Governor Mohammed suggested that the APC may be exploiting the PDP’s internal strife to weaken the opposition ahead of future elections.
“There are forces capitalizing on the cracks within our party. But we are not here to sweep anything under the carpet. We are confronting the issues head-on and will restore harmony.”
As the countdown to the NEC meeting begins, the spotlight will now be on Saraki and his team to deliver a crucial lifeline to a party in search of stability and a renewed sense of purpose.
