The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) formed a reconciliation committee led by former Senate President Bukola Saraki, as part of a efforts to unite the aggrieved members ahead of the party’s crucial National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting.
The decision was made at a high-level gathering at the residence of Abuja on Sunday evening at the PDP Governor Forum Chairman and Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed.
The meeting brought together key figures from the party, including the Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike, who was present but did not speak to the media. Also present were Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun, Caleb Mutfwang of the 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 (Abia) and Seriake Dickson (Bayelsa) also attended the meeting and participated in the acting PDP National President Umararagun and former Caretake Committee Chairman.
After the meeting, introduced journalist Mohammed said the gathering was intended to lay the foundation for the tranquil NEC meeting and the National Congress later this year. He explained that inviting the former governor was an action that deliberately used their experience in resolving internal disputes in the party.
Mohammed addressed concerns about the latest defection of all the Progressive Assembly (APC), saying the party has not avoided it and is actively developing strategies to gain influence in states currently under the PDP. The internal tensions were exacerbated by the defection of Delta State Governor Sheriff Oberevwori and his former Ifeanyi Okowa and other top officials last month.
Since the 2023 election, PDP has faced a series of internal crises, with factional disputes and political reorganization further complicating its cohesion. The ongoing conflict between former Rivers Governor Nyesom Wike and his successor Sim Fubara remains unresolved despite repeated mediation attempts in the party structure, including the National Working Committee, the Board of Directors and the Governors Forum.
The National Assembly’s defector wave continues, with three senators from Kebi State. Adamu Aliero, Yahaya Abdullahi and Garba Maidoki recently joined the APC after meeting with President Bola Tinubu. These developments have attracted the attention of opposition leaders, who warned that the trend of a one-party political system in Nigeria is growing.
