By Peter Omopo
Amid growing defections and deepening internal strife, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has intensified efforts to stabilise its ranks ahead of the 2027 general elections. Former Senate President Bukola Saraki, now chairing a high-powered reconciliation committee, met with members of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) on Monday to address critical issues, including recent defections, leadership disputes, and the vacant National Secretary position.
The meeting, which held in Abuja, included acting National Chairman, Amb. Umar Damagum; National Organising Secretary, Umar Bature; and National Legal Adviser, Kamaldeen Ajibade (SAN). According to party insiders, discussions focused on halting the wave of defections and resolving the leadership crisis, particularly in the South-South zone.
Since the 2023 elections, the PDP has struggled with internal divisions. Tensions spiked following a rift between Rivers State Governor, Sim Fubara, and his predecessor, now FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, coupled with the unresolved vacancy of the National Secretary since December 2024.
Efforts by the NWC, Board of Trustees, and Governors’ Forum to reconcile factions have largely failed, prompting high-profile exits, including the April 23 defection of Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, and others to the All Progressives Congress (APC)—a move that significantly dented the party’s image.
In response, the PDP Governors Forum, chaired by Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, appointed Saraki to lead a new reconciliation committee. Members include Governors Dauda Lawal (Zamfara), Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau), Peter Mbah (Enugu), and former Governors Seriake Dickson (Bayelsa), Ibrahim Dankwambo (Gombe), and Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia).
Sources revealed that the contentious issue of the National Secretary was postponed to allow Saraki’s panel to mediate. “The meeting was tense,” a senior party official said. “It was agreed that Saraki’s panel would resolve the matter, including the South-South leadership crisis, preferably out of court.”
Saraki and Plateau Governor Caleb Mutfwang reportedly met separately with key NWC members on Monday to strategise on curbing defections. They also reviewed the Supreme Court’s ruling favouring Senator Samuel Anyanwu’s claim to the National Secretary role, a decision the committee has now reportedly endorsed.
Meanwhile, a South-East Zonal Caucus meeting is expected to hold in Enugu today (Wednesday), hosted by Governor Peter Mbah, to take a final position on the National Secretary dispute.
However, confusion lingers. In a statement on Tuesday, PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, insisted that Setonji Koshoedo remains the acting National Secretary. He referenced official party documents, including nomination forms for the Anambra governorship election, signed by Koshoedo and Damagum.
“The NWC urges the public to disregard reports and fake letters circulating online,” the statement read, reaffirming Koshoedo’s status based on party constitutional provisions.
Also addressing the party’s state of affairs, former Benue Governor Senator Gabriel Suswam warned on Arise TV that the PDP risks total collapse before 2027 unless leadership acts decisively.
“Many members are only holding on, waiting to see how things end,” Suswam said, urging immediate reforms to save the party from implosion.
Meanwhile, during the meeting of governors and ex-governors, FCT Minister Wike reportedly defended his actions in 2023, denying involvement in anti-party activities. He claimed he informed party leaders before accepting his ministerial appointment and asserted he delivered PDP victories across all levels in Rivers State during the last election.
He also challenged anyone to present proof of alleged statements about delivering the FCT to the APC in 2027.
As the Saraki-led committee continues its consultations, more meetings with governors and key stakeholders are expected before the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting on May 27.
