The Peoples Democratic Party Governors Forum (PDP-GF) and former governors have appointed former Senate President Bukola Saraki to head a seven-member reconciliation committee aimed at unifying the party ahead of key national events.
The Chairman of the PDP-GF and Governor of Bauchi State, Bala Mohammed, announced the decision on Sunday night in Abuja after a crucial meeting between serving PDP governors, former governors, and national party leaders.
Mohammed said the committee’s mandate is to reconcile aggrieved members of the party before the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting scheduled for May 27, and the party’s national convention in August.
“We are here with all governors elected under the PDP, who are still in the party, along with a substantial number of former governors, our party leaders, the National Chairman, and members of the National Working Committee,” he said.
“We discussed issues affecting our party, including existential matters that have circulated in the media and among members, to ensure we navigate smoothly through the NEC and prepare for an early convention in August.
“This meeting was an opportunity to close ranks and address any ill feelings or misgivings among party leaders. We’ve reached out to our former colleagues who have experience and influence. Their input will add impetus to the success of the NEC and the upcoming convention.
“We want to reassure our teeming supporters that the PDP is working and remains united,” he added.
Responding to questions about the recent defection of Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and others to the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mohammed said the party is actively working to strengthen its internal structures and reclaim lost ground.
“This is a manifestation of democratic dynamics. It is what has forced us to come together. Rather than weakening us, it is making us stronger. We will ensure that chapters where we have history and structure are not left behind.
“By the grace of God, those states will return to the PDP because we will provide a level playing field during the convention,” he stated.
On what was discussed at the meeting, Mohammed declined to go into full detail but acknowledged that issues of unity were central.
“Definitely, there are some ill feelings. We are not here to sweep things under the carpet. You know some of the issues—some involve litigations, others are internal misgivings.
“We wouldn’t want to outrightly blame the APC for causing a crisis, but there are indications they may be involved. Still, we are focused on fixing our house,” he said.
Other members of the reconciliation committee include Governors Dauda Lawal (Zamfara), Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau), and Peter Mbah (Enugu). Also appointed are Senator Seriake Dickson, Senator Ibrahim Dankwambo, and former Abia State Governor Okezie Ikpeazu.
The meeting, held at the Bauchi State Governor’s Lodge in Abuja, was attended by the governors of Enugu, Zamfara, Plateau, Taraba, Adamawa, Osun, and Oyo states.
Also in attendance were FCT Minister Nyesom Wike; Secretary of the PDP Board of Trustees and former Kaduna State Governor, Ahmed Makarfi; and several prominent PDP leaders including Senators Aminu Tambuwal, Sule Lamido, Gabriel Suswam, Sam Egwu, Liyel Imoke, Achike Udenwa, Olagunsoye Oyinlola, Adamu Mu’azu, and Idris Wada.
The acting National Chairman of the PDP, Umar Damagum, was also present, along with other members of the National Working Committee, including the National Organising Secretary, Umar Bature, and the National Legal Adviser, Kamaldeen Ajibade.
Leave a Comment