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. This announcement was made by the PDP-GF Chairman, Gov. Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, during a press briefing on Sunday night in Abuja following a crucial meeting involving current and former governors.

Gov. Mohammed outlined the committee’s mandate to address grievances within the party in preparation for the upcoming National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting scheduled for May 27, as well as the national convention set to take place in August. The meeting brought together all governors currently aligned with the PDP, a significant number of former governors, party leaders, and members of the National Working Committee (NWC).

“We convened to discuss pressing issues confronting our party—existential matters that have garnered media attention and stirred discussions among us. Our goal is to ensure a smooth transition toward the NEC meeting and facilitate an early convention in August,” Mohammed stated.

Amid discussions about recent defections, including that of Delta’s Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Mohammed emphasized the party’s commitment to strengthening its structures and reclaiming its states. He noted a positive twist to these challenges, asserting that they only serve to unify and fortify the party.

“We are engaging with our more experienced former governors whose insights will greatly contribute to the success of our NEC and convention,” he said.

The governor acknowledged that while there are lingering issues and disputes among party members, the PDP remains dedicated to fostering unity and reconciliation.

Other members of the reconciliation committee include governors Dauda Lawal of Zamfara, Caleb Muftwang of Plateau, and Peter Mba of Enugu State, along with Sen. Seriake Dickson, Sen. Ibrahim Dankwambo, and former Abia State governor Chief Okezie Ikpeazu.

The press conference following the meeting in Abuja also hosted a range of party leaders and current governors from various states, including Enugu, Zamfara, Plateau, Taraba, Adamawa, Osun, and Oyo, all underlining the PDP’s commitment to addressing internal conflicts and dispelling any misconceptions about its unity and direction moving forward.