Amid rising defections and internal discord, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has activated a high-level reconciliation effort led by former Senate President Bukola Saraki.
The move follows the recent defection of prominent figures including Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, delivering a heavy blow to the party’s unity and electoral outlook ahead of 2027.
Saraki now chairs a reconciliation committee comprising serving and former governors, including Bala Mohammed (Bauchi), Dauda Lawal (Zamfara), Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau), Peter Mbah (Enugu), and ex-governors Seriake Dickson, Ibrahim Dankwambo, and Okezie Ikpeazu.
Their mandate includes stemming defections, resolving leadership rifts—particularly in the South-South—and settling the long-standing National Secretary dispute.
Despite reports that Samuel Anyanwu has resumed as National Secretary, the PDP’s National Working Committee (NWC) maintains that Setonji Koshoedo remains the acting scribe, citing compliance with a Supreme Court ruling and INEC documentation.
Crucial to the reconciliation process is the strained relationship between FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and the party.
Wike, during a governors’ meeting, denied anti-party activity in 2023 and challenged critics to produce evidence of wrongdoing.
Meanwhile, senior PDP voices are split on the party’s future.
While former Benue Governor Gabriel Suswam likened the party’s condition to being in intensive care, other leaders like Ibrahim Tsauri and Okechukwu Osuoha expressed optimism that the PDP could recover—if unity prevails over personal ambition.
The defection wave continued last week as three senators from Kebbi State—Adamu Aliero, Yahaya Abdullahi, and Garba Maidoki—formally joined the APC, citing PDP’s internal crisis and ineffective leadership.
Saraki’s committee is expected to brief PDP governors ahead of the crucial May 27 National Executive Committee meeting, where the party’s survival strategy may take shape.
