The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors’ Forum has appointed former Senate President Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki to chair a seven-member reconciliation committee. The announcement was made following a high-level meeting of current and former PDP governors, party leaders, and members of the National Working Committee (NWC) at the Bauchi Governor’s Lodge in Abuja on Sunday night.
The committee is tasked with ensuring a rancour-free National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting scheduled for May 27, 2025, and laying the groundwork for the party’s National Convention in August.
The meeting, convened by the PDP Governors’ Forum under the leadership of Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, was described by Saraki as “fruitful.” It brought together a formidable array of PDP heavyweights, including serving governors such as Ademola Adeleke (Osun), Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau), Ahmadu Fintiri (Adamawa), Seyi Makinde (Oyo), and Peter Mbah (Enugu). Former governors in attendance included Liyel Imoke (Cross River), Achike Udenwa (Imo), Olagunsoye Oyinlola (Osun), Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia), and Seriake Dickson (Bayelsa). The Acting National Chairman, Umar Damagun, and other NWC members, including National Organising Secretary Umar Bature and National Legal Adviser Kamaldeen Ajibade, also participated.
Saraki, in a statement shared via X, highlighted the productive discussions on the party’s current challenges and future direction. “The meeting was well attended. As part of the decisions taken to chart a way forward, the meeting set up a seven-man committee charged with preparing for a rancour-free NEC meeting scheduled for May 27th and the forthcoming national convention,” he wrote.
The seven-member committee, chaired by Saraki, includes Governors Dauda Lawal (Zamfara), Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau), and Peter Mbah (Enugu), as well as Senators Seriake Dickson, Ibrahim Dankwambo, and former Abia State Governor Okezie Ikpeazu. The committee’s primary mandate is to reconcile aggrieved members, resolve internal disputes, and ensure a harmonious NEC meeting and national convention. Governor Mohammed emphasized that the inclusion of former governors was a deliberate effort to leverage their experience in navigating the party’s challenges.
The PDP has been grappling with internal crises since the 2023 general elections, exacerbated by factional disputes, leadership tussles, and high-profile defections to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Notable defections include Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, former Vice-Presidential candidate Ifeanyi Okowa, and several federal and state lawmakers. The committee’s formation is seen as a critical step to address these issues and strengthen party cohesion ahead of the 2027 elections.
Speaking to journalists, Governor Mohammed acknowledged the impact of recent defections but remained optimistic, stating that they are “making us stronger” by compelling the party to close ranks. He suggested that the APC might be exploiting the PDP’s internal crises for political gain, though he refrained from disclosing specific details of the discussions. “We are not here to sweep anything under the carpet. You already know some of the concerns, some of the litigations in court, and some of the misgivings among party members,” he said.
Mohammed further assured PDP supporters that the party is committed to reclaiming states it previously governed by providing a level playing field at the upcoming convention. “Those chapters where we have history and established structures will be able to produce the next PDP governors, by the grace of God,” he added.
Saraki’s appointment has been met with optimism within PDP circles, given his history of leading reconciliation efforts. In 2021, he chaired the PDP’s National Reconciliation and Strategy Committee, which successfully resolved crises in several state chapters and strengthened the party ahead of the 2023 elections. His experience as Senate President (2015–2019) and former Governor of Kwara State, coupled with his ability to navigate complex political dynamics, positions him as a unifying figure for the party.
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“I will have the pleasure of working with my brothers – Governors Dauda Lawal, Caleb Mutfwang, and Peter Mbah, alongside Senators Dickson, Dankwambo, and former Governor Ikpeazu. We hope to do our best in delivering on the assignment given to us,” Saraki affirmed.
The May 27 NEC meeting is expected to be a defining moment for the PDP as it seeks to resolve critical issues, including the ongoing dispute over the National Secretary position and zoning arrangements for national offices. The meeting will also set the tone for the National Convention, where new leadership will be elected to steer the party toward the 2027 elections. The inauguration of new members of the PDP Board of Trustees, scheduled for May 12 at the NEC Hall in Abuja, further underscores the party’s efforts to re energize its structures.
The presence of former Rivers State Governor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, at the meeting sparked speculation about efforts to reconcile him with other party leaders, including former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar. Wike, who has been at odds with some PDP governors, reportedly attended to advocate for the restoration of Samuel Anyanwu as National Secretary. However, he did not address the media, and no official statement confirmed discussions on this matter.
The PDP’s decision to entrust Saraki with leading the reconciliation committee signals a renewed commitment to unity and strategic repositioning. As the party navigates defections, internal divisions, and external pressures, the committee’s success will be crucial in restoring confidence among members and supporters.
