The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors Forum and former governors have appointed former Senate President Bukola Saraki to lead a seven-member reconciliation committee.
Following a crucial meeting in Abuja on Monday, Bala Mohammed, the Chairman of the PDP Governors Forum and Bauchi State Governor, informed journalists that the committee’s mission is to engage with party members and promote unity ahead of the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting on May 27 and its National Elective Convention scheduled for August.
The PDP has been experiencing internal conflicts since the 2023 elections, exacerbated by disputes between Governor Sim Fubara and former Governor Nyesom Wike in Rivers State, leadership disagreements in the South-South zone, and the National Secretary vacancy since December 2024.
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Despite attempts by the party’s top bodies to resolve these issues, the divisions have deepened, causing further fragmentation within state and zonal chapters and leading to some members defecting to the All Progressives Congress (APC), most notably the Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, ex-Governor Ifeanyi Okowa and other key officials.
Mohammed confirmed that the meeting aimed to find solutions to these ongoing issues. He said, “We discussed some of the issues relating to our party, some existential issues, of course, that have been circulating in the media and among us, so that we will be able to navigate smoothly for the NEC scheduled to take place on the 27th of this month. By August, we will have an early convention. Many issues and reports have emerged, and this meeting is an opportunity to close ranks and ensure that, at the very least, there are no ill feelings, no qualms, and no misgivings among the leaders of the party. The governors of the party have reached out to our colleagues who have served before and who have more in-depth experience. Whatever suggestions or opinions they may offer will go a long way in adding momentum to the success of our NEC and the convention scheduled to take place on specific dates. It will also help reassure our teeming supporters that the PDP is working and remains united. There are some gaps here and there. We have set up a committee of seven, headed by His Excellency, the former Senate President and former Governor of Kwara State, Bukola Saraki, to ensure that reconciliation efforts and outreach are conducted swiftly. This will help us achieve a very peaceful and harmonious NEC and convention.”
Regarding the Delta State Governor’s defection, Mohammed acknowledged it as a key reason for the meeting and affirmed the party’s commitment to maintaining strong PDP chapters. “Well, this is one of the manifestations of a democratic setup like ours, and it is what is compelling us to come together. Rather than weakening us, it is actually making us stronger. We will ensure that the chapters where we have history and established structures are not abandoned. Those chapters will be able to produce the next PDP governors, by the grace of God, because we will provide a level playing field in the upcoming convention.”
When asked about other discussed matters, Mohammed said, “I cannot disclose all the issues we discussed. We talked about unity. Definitely, there are some ill feelings, and we are not here to sweep anything under the carpet. You already know some of the concerns, some of the litigations in court, some of the misgivings among party members. And while we wouldn’t want to blame the APC for causing the crisis, it is likely that they may be involved.”
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