By Abiola Olawale
The Peoples Democratic Party Governors Forum (PDP-GF) has announced the formation of a seven-member reconciliation committee to address internal conflicts and foster unity within the party.
Chaired by former Senate President Bukola Saraki, the committee includes prominent figures such as Governor Peter Mba of Enugu State, Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State, Governor Caleb Muftwang of Plateau State, Senator Seriake Dickson, Senator Ibrahim Dankwambo, and former Abia State Governor Okezie Ikpeazu.
The announcement was made by PDP Governors’ Forum Chairman and Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed following a high-stakes meeting at the Bauchi Governor’s Lodge in Abuja on Sunday night.
Addressing a press conference after the meeting, Mohammed said that the committee’s primary mandate is to reconcile aggrieved party members and ensure a seamless National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting scheduled for May 27, 2025, and the upcoming national convention in August.
The New Diplomat reports that this comes as the PDP has been facing several internal strife since the 2023 general elections, exacerbated by disputes such as the fallout between former Rivers State Governor and the incumbent Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Nyesom Wike and suspended Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, leadership tussles in the South-South zone, and the unresolved vacancy of the National Secretary position since December 2024.
Speaking on the situation of the party, Mohammed stated: “We are here with all the governors elected under the party who are still in the party and a substantial number of former PDP governors, with our leaders, the chairman of the party, and some members of the National Working Committee (NWC).
“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 May 27, and by August, we will have an early convention.
“So many issues and reports have been made, and it is an opportunity to close ranks and to make sure that at least there are no ill feelings, there are no qualms, and there are no misgivings between the leaders of the party.
“Governors of the party have reached out to our colleagues who have been there before, who have more experience.
”Whatever suggestions or opinions they may have, will go a long way in giving an added impetus to the actualisation of our NEC and our convention that is scheduled to take place on specific days.
“We want to reassure our teaming supporters that the PDP is working, the PDP is united.”
Answering questions on the recent defections, Mohammed said: “Well, these are some of the manifestations in a democratic setup like this that we have, and this is what is forcing us to come together.
“Rather than diminishing and weakening, it is making us stronger, and we will make sure at least those chapters where we have history, where we have structure, are not left alone.
“They will be able to produce governors of the PDP by the grace of God because we will be providing the level playing field in the next convention that is coming up,” he said.
The Abuja meeting saw the participation of prominent PDP figures, including Governors Ademola Adeleke (Osun), Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Ahmadu Fintiri (Adamawa), and Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum.
Former governors such as Ahmed Makarfi, Samuel Ortom, Aminu Tambuwal, and Liyel Imoke were also present, alongside Wike.
Others are Sen. Aminu Tambuwal, Sule Lamido, Okezie Ikpeazu, Samuel Ortom, Gabriel Suswam, Seriake Dickson, Sam Egwu, Liyel Imoke, Achike Udenwa, Olagunsoye Oyinlola, Adamu Muazu and Idris Wada.
Also at the meeting were the members of the PDP National Working Committee, including the national organising secretary, Umar Bature, and the national legal adviser, Kamaldeen Ajibade.
