Abuja — Former Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, has been appointed to head a seven-member reconciliation committee set up by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors’ Forum in a bid to address internal divisions and reposition the party ahead of its crucial National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting on May 27 and the national convention scheduled for August.
Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum and Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, made the announcement late Sunday night while briefing journalists after a strategic meeting between incumbent PDP governors, former governors, and top party leaders at the Bauchi Governor’s Lodge, Abuja.
Mohammed said the committee’s mandate is to reconcile aggrieved party members and close ranks in preparation for the forthcoming national events.
“This is a time for unity. We are here with all our sitting governors and a substantial number of former governors, alongside our national leadership, to address existential issues facing the party,” he said.
The Bauchi governor explained that the reconciliation move was part of broader efforts to restore confidence in the PDP following recent defections, including that of Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
“Rather than weaken us, these challenges have compelled us to come together, and they are making us stronger. We are determined to reclaim states where the PDP has strong roots and ensure a level playing field in the next convention,” Mohammed stated.
He acknowledged the presence of lingering legal disputes and internal disagreements but emphasized that the party was not sweeping issues under the carpet.
“We discussed unity. Yes, there are ill feelings and litigation, and we know some of them. We are not here to pretend. And while we won’t directly blame the APC for creating the crisis, we also won’t ignore the political reality.”
Members of the newly formed committee include Governors Dauda Lawal (Zamfara), Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau), and Peter Mbah (Enugu); along with Senator Seriake Dickson, Senator Ibrahim Dankwambo, and former Abia State Governor, Chief Okezie Ikpeazu.
The high-level meeting was attended by several PDP governors including those from Enugu, Zamfara, Plateau, Taraba, Adamawa, Osun, and Oyo states. Also in attendance were Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike; former Governors Ahmed Makarfi, Aminu Tambuwal, Sule Lamido, Samuel Ortom, Gabriel Suswam, Liyel Imoke, and others.
Acting PDP National Chairman, Umar Damagum, and members of the National Working Committee (NWC) were also present, including National Organising Secretary Umar Bature and National Legal Adviser Kamaldeen Ajibade.
The reconciliation committee is expected to begin consultations immediately, with the goal of presenting a united front at the party’s forthcoming NEC meeting and ensuring a smooth, inclusive national convention.
