Amid growing internal wrangling and high-profile defections, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has appointed former Senate President and ex-Kwara State Governor, Dr. Bukola Saraki, as the chairman of a newly constituted seven-member reconciliation committee. The move is part of urgent efforts by the opposition party to stem internal discord and stabilize ahead of its forthcoming National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting scheduled for May 27 and the National Elective Convention in August.
The decision, which emerged from a closed-door strategy session in Abuja on Monday, was disclosed by the Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum and Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed. The high-level meeting brought together current and former PDP governors to discuss the existential threats confronting the party following a string of leadership tussles and defections in key states.
Since the conclusion of the 2023 general elections, the PDP has battled recurring internal disputes. Prominent among these is the lingering fallout between Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his estranged political godfather, former Governor Nyesom Wike. Additionally, disputes in the South-South zone and the unresolved vacancy of the National Secretary position since December 2024 have fueled disaffection within the party.
These unresolved issues have culminated in the defection of high-ranking party members. In a significant blow to the PDP, Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and his predecessor, Ifeanyi Okowa, alongside other political heavyweights, defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in April 2025, a move that further deepened the party’s leadership crisis and weakened its chances for a strong showing in the 2027 general elections.
Governor Mohammed emphasized that the party is determined to douse tensions through strategic dialogue and unity-building. “We have set up a committee of seven, headed by His Excellency, former Senate President and former Governor of Kwara State, Bukola Saraki, to ensure that reconciliation efforts and outreach are conducted swiftly. This will help us achieve a very peaceful and harmonious NEC and convention,” he announced.
He added that reaching out to former governors was critical to drawing on their experience and strengthening internal processes. “We discussed issues affecting our party, and we are committed to closing ranks to project a united front ahead of our NEC and early convention.”
The PDP leadership maintained that recent setbacks would not spell doom for the party. “We are not here to sweep anything under the carpet. We acknowledge the dissatisfaction and litigations within, but we are optimistic that reconciliation will yield results,” Governor Mohammed stated.
He also hinted that despite speculation, the ruling APC might be indirectly involved in exploiting PDP’s internal disputes, adding, “We wouldn’t want to blame the APC for the crisis, but it is likely that they may be involved.”
With the 2027 general elections looming, PDP’s survival may hinge on the success of Saraki’s committee. Sources within the party indicate that the former Senate President is expected to meet with aggrieved stakeholders in Rivers, Delta, Edo, and other battleground states over the coming weeks.
Political observers view the move as a litmus test of Saraki’s influence and diplomatic acumen, particularly as he attempts to win back defectors and avert more losses. His selection has sparked renewed hope among some PDP loyalists who believe that inclusive politics and internal restructuring could help the party regain its stature.