Bukola Saraki Appointed To Lead PDP Reconciliation Committee Before NEC Meeting

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has formed a new reconciliation committee led by former Senate President Bukola Saraki.

The goal is to address internal disputes within the party ahead of its National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting scheduled for later in May.

The decision was made during a meeting held Sunday night at the Abuja residence of Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, who also chairs the PDP Governors’ Forum.

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, was present but didn’t speak to the media.

Several governors attended the meeting, including Ademola Adeleke (Osun), Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau), Ahmadu Fintiri (Adamawa), Seyi Makinde (Oyo), and Peter Mbah (Enugu).

Former governors like Liyel Imoke (Cross River), Achike Udenwa (Imo), Olagunsoye Oyinlola (Osun), Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia), and Seriake Dickson (Bayelsa) also joined the gathering.

Other key figures at the meeting were PDP’s Acting National Chairman Umar Damagun, former caretaker chairman Ahmed Makarfi, and members of the National Working Committee.

Speaking to journalists afterward, Governor Mohammed explained that the meeting was aimed at preparing for a smooth NEC session and upcoming national convention.

Mohammed said former governors were invited to help tackle the party’s ongoing issues using their experience.

When asked about recent defections from the party, the governor claimed that such moves could actually strengthen the PDP, stressing that efforts are underway to reclaim states the party once controlled.

Concerns have grown following the recent defection of Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, former governor Ifeanyi Okowa, and other Delta officials to the APC on April 23.

Around the same time, three senators from Kebbi State—Adamu Aliero, Yahaya Abdullahi, and Garba Maidoki—also joined the APC after meeting with President Bola Tinubu.

These developments have stirred anxiety among opposition leaders, with many warning that the ruling party’s growing influence could be an attempt to turn Nigeria into a one-party state.

The PDP has been dealing with internal rifts since the 2023 general elections.

The situation worsened after a power struggle between former Rivers governor Nyesom Wike and his successor Sim Fubara.

Despite several efforts by party organs and leaders to resolve the crisis, a lasting solution remains out of reach.

KanyiDaily recalls that Atiku Abubakar, former presidential candidate of the PDP, said he is not upset about Ifeanyi Okowa, his running mate in the 2023 election, joining the All Progressives Congress (APC).