In a decisive move to restore internal cohesion, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has appointed former Senate President Bukola Saraki to lead a newly constituted seven-member reconciliation committee. The committee is tasked with steering the party out of its prolonged leadership crisis and strengthening unity ahead of key national events.
The announcement followed a closed-door meeting in Abuja involving PDP governors and former state leaders. Speaking to journalists, Chairman of the PDP Governors Forum and Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, said the committee will engage with stakeholders across the party to foster reconciliation and chart a unified course ahead of the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting on May 27 and the National Elective Convention slated for August.
The PDP has been grappling with internal instability since the 2023 general elections, marked by high-profile defections to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), unresolved leadership disputes, and deepening factional divides. Tensions escalated further with the rift between Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, and lingering leadership vacancies such as the unfilled post of National Secretary since December 2024.
Despite multiple interventions by party organs—including the National Working Committee, Board of Trustees, NEC, and the Governors Forum—the party’s internal discord has persisted, weakening its structure across several states and zones.
The recent defection of Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, alongside former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa and key allies on April 23, delivered a significant blow to the PDP’s political momentum and public image, casting doubt on its preparedness for the 2027 elections.
Governor Bala Mohammed acknowledged the urgency of the situation, stating that the meeting of past and present PDP governors was convened to confront the crisis head-on and develop strategies to stabilize the party.
“The reconciliation committee will work to bring everyone back to the table, rebuild trust, and reposition the PDP as a formidable force ahead of future elections,” he said.
As the party seeks to regain lost ground, all eyes will be on Saraki’s team to bridge the widening gaps and restore confidence within the PDP’s ranks.