The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has constituted a reconciliation committee chaired by former Senate President Bukola Saraki to address internal grievances ahead of its National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting scheduled for the end of May.
This development was announced following a high-level meeting held Sunday night at the Abuja residence of Bauchi State Governor and Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum, Bala Mohammed. The meeting was attended by several party leaders, including the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, although he declined to speak with journalists.
Present at the meeting were Governors Ademola Adeleke (Osun), Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau), Ahmadu Fintiri (Adamawa), Seyi Makinde (Oyo), and Peter Mbah (Enugu). Former governors Liyel Imoke (Cross River), Achike Udenwa (Imo), Olagunsoye Oyinlola (Osun), Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia), Seriake Dickson (Bayelsa), Udom Emmanuel (Akwa Ibom), and Samuel Ortom (Benue) also attended.
PDP Acting National Chairman Umar Damagun, former caretaker chairman Ahmed Makarfi, and other National Working Committee members were present as well.
Speaking to journalists, Governor Mohammed said the gathering was convened to strategise ahead of the NEC meeting and the party’s planned national convention later in the year. He noted that the inclusion of former governors was deliberate, intended to draw from their experience in resolving internal disputes and strengthening party unity.
Responding to questions about recent defections—including that of Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, his predecessor Ifeanyi Okowa, and other state officials to the All Progressives Congress (APC)—Mohammed downplayed the impact, claiming it would ultimately strengthen the PDP’s resolve. He added that efforts were underway to reclaim lost ground in states previously controlled by the party.
The PDP has faced deepening internal strife since the 2023 general elections, worsened by the ongoing feud between Rivers State Governor Sim Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike. Despite multiple intervention attempts by party organs—including the NWC, Board of Trustees, NEC, and Governors’ Forum—the crisis remains unresolved.
On April 23, Oborevwori, Okowa, and other Delta State officials formally defected to the APC. They joined a growing list of PDP defectors, including three senators from Kebbi State—Adamu Aliero (Kebbi Central), Yahaya Abdullahi (Kebbi North), and Garba Maidoki (Kebbi South)—who recently met with President Bola Tinubu. The defections have fueled concerns among opposition leaders over an alleged attempt to transform Nigeria into a one-party state.
