In a strategic push to mend internal fractures, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has appointed former Senate President Bukola Saraki to lead a high-powered reconciliation committee. The announcement came late Sunday night following a pivotal meeting at the Abuja lodge of Bauchi State Governor and PDP Governors’ Forum Chairman, Bala Mohammed. The committee’s mandate is to unify aggrieved party members ahead of the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting scheduled for late May.
The closed-door meeting saw a notable gathering of PDP heavyweights, including 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), and Seriake Dickson (Bayelsa) were also present, alongside PDP Acting National Chairman Umar Damagun and former Caretaker Committee Chairman Ahmed Markafi. Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike attended but declined to address the press.
Governor Mohammed, briefing journalists after the meeting, emphasized the urgency of resolving internal conflicts to ensure a smooth NEC meeting and pave the way for a national convention later this year. “We invited our former governors to leverage their experience in addressing challenges and fostering unity,” he said. The formation of Saraki’s reconciliation committee is seen as a direct response to the party’s ongoing struggles, including high-profile defections and leadership disputes that have plagued the PDP since the 2023 general elections.
Bukola Saraki, a seasoned politician and former Kwara State governor, brings significant clout to the reconciliation effort. His tenure as Senate President (2015–2019) was marked by deft political maneuvering, though not without controversy. Sources within the PDP confirm that Saraki’s appointment was carefully considered, given his ability to navigate complex party dynamics. The committee, yet to be fully constituted, is expected to engage with disgruntled members, including those affected by recent defections and regional power struggles.
The PDP has faced a torrent of challenges, most notably the defection of Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, his predecessor Ifeanyi Okowa, and other state officials to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) on April 23. Additionally, three Kebbi State senators—Adamu Aliero, Yahaya Abdullahi, and Garba Maidoki—switched to the APC after meeting with President Bola Tinubu. These defections have fueled fears among opposition leaders of a deliberate push toward a one-party state.
Governor Mohammed, however, struck a defiant tone. “The defections will make us stronger,” he asserted, hinting at strategies to reclaim PDP strongholds. He declined to elaborate but suggested that Saraki’s committee would play a central role in rallying members and rebuilding trust.
The PDP’s internal woes extend beyond defections. A prominent rift between former Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike and his successor, Sim Fubara, has defied resolution despite interventions by the party’s National Working Committee, Board of Trustees, and Governors’ Forum. This feud, coupled with leadership tussles in other states, has weakened the PDP’s cohesion as it prepares for future electoral battles.
Saraki’s committee faces a daunting task: not only must it address personal and regional grievances, but it must also restore confidence in the party’s ability to challenge the APC’s dominance. Political analysts view the committee’s formation as a pragmatic move, but skepticism remains. “Saraki is a skilled negotiator, but the PDP’s problems are deep-rooted,” said Abuja-based commentator Fatima Usman. “The committee will need more than charisma to succeed.”
With the NEC meeting just weeks away, the PDP is under pressure to present a united front. The inclusion of former governors in Sunday’s discussions signals an intent to draw on institutional knowledge, but the party must act swiftly to quell dissent. Saraki’s leadership will be closely watched, as will the PDP’s ability to stem further defections and rebuild its base.
For now, the PDP is banking on Saraki’s reconciliation efforts to steer the party toward stability. Whether this gamble pays off will depend on the committee’s ability to bridge divides and restore faith in the opposition’s vision for Nigeria.
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