The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has constituted a reconciliation committee chaired by former Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki.
The move comes ahead of a pivotal National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting slated for later this month.
The decision to appoint Saraki followed a strategic meeting on Sunday night at the Abuja residence of the Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum and Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed.
The closed-door gathering brought together influential party stakeholders including serving governors, former governors, and key national officers.
Present at the meeting were Governors Ademola Adeleke (Osun), Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau), Ahmadu Fintiri (Adamawa), Seyi Makinde (Oyo), and Peter Mbah (Enugu). The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, was also in attendance but refrained from addressing the media.
Former governors such as Liyel Imoke, Achike Udenwa, Olagunsoye Oyinlola, Okezie Ikpeazu, and Seriake Dickson, alongside Acting National Chairman Umar Damagun and former caretaker chairman Ahmed Markafi, also participated.
Speaking to journalists after the meeting, Governor Mohammed described the initiative as a proactive measure to ensure a peaceful NEC session and prepare for a possible national convention.
He noted that the inclusion of former governors was intentional, aimed at leveraging their experience in conflict resolution and party restructuring.
The reconciliation effort comes at a time of mounting challenges for the PDP.
The recent defections of Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and his predecessor, Ifeanyi Okowa, to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) have intensified internal tensions and sparked concerns about party loyalty and future electoral prospects.
Further complicating matters is the ongoing political standoff between former Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike and his successor, Governor Sim Fubara, which has so far defied multiple mediation attempts by the PDP’s internal organs, including the National Working Committee, Board of Trustees, and Governors’ Forum.
The situation in the National Assembly has also added to the party’s woes. Three PDP senators from Kebbi State—Adamu Aliero, Yahaya Abdullahi, and Garba Maidoki—recently defected to the APC following consultations with President Bola Tinubu, underscoring fears of a diminishing opposition presence in Nigeria’s political landscape.
Despite the turbulence, Governor Mohammed expressed optimism that the party remains resilient and focused on rebuilding. “We are undeterred. This is a critical moment, and we are taking bold steps to reposition the PDP for the challenges ahead,” he said.
The reconciliation committee under Saraki is expected to begin consultations in the coming days, engaging aggrieved members and charting a course toward internal unity and electoral recovery.
