Facing internal turmoil and mounting defections, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has established a reconciliation committee chaired by former Senate President Bukola Saraki. The move comes as part of the party’s effort to unify its ranks ahead of a crucial National Executive Committee (NEC) gathering later this month.
The decision was reached during a late-night meeting on Sunday at the Abuja residence of Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, who also heads the PDP Governors’ Forum.
Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike was present at the closed-door session, though he did not make any public remarks afterward.
The meeting drew key figures from the PDP’s present and past leadership, including governors Ademola Adeleke (Osun), Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau), Ahmadu Fintiri (Adamawa), Seyi Makinde (Oyo), and Peter Mbah (Enugu). Former governors such as Liyel Imoke, Achike Udenwa, Olagunsoye Oyinlola, Okezie Ikpeazu, and Seriake Dickson also participated in the talks.
Also in attendance were Acting PDP National Chairman Umar Damagun, former caretaker chairman Ahmed Makarfi, and other members of the National Working Committee.
Following the meeting, Governor Mohammed told reporters that the gathering aimed to chart a path toward a peaceful and productive NEC session and to set the stage for the party’s upcoming national convention. “We convened this meeting to prepare the ground for a rancour-free NEC. The input of former governors was sought to draw from their wealth of experience in resolving party challenges,” he said.
Mohammed dismissed concerns over recent defections, suggesting they might ultimately strengthen the PDP. “It will make us stronger,” he stated. He also noted that strategies were being developed to reclaim control in states where the PDP had previously governed.
The party has been navigating turbulent waters since the 2023 general elections, with internal conflicts exacerbated by a power struggle in Rivers State between former governor Nyesom Wike and his successor, Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
Despite numerous interventions by various party bodies—including the National Working Committee, Board of Trustees, and the Governors’ Forum—no lasting solution has been found to unify the party’s ranks.
Tensions escalated further on April 23, when Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, alongside former governor Ifeanyi Okowa and other officials, defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The PDP also suffered losses in the National Assembly, as three senators from Kebbi State—Adamu Aliero, Yahaya Abdullahi, and Garba Maidoki—joined the APC after a meeting with President Bola Tinubu.
The wave of defections has raised alarm among opposition figures, many of whom see it as a coordinated attempt to edge Nigeria toward a one-party political system.
