The Peoples Democratic Party Governors’ Forum (PDP-GF), in collaboration with former governors of the party, has appointed former Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki, to lead a seven-member reconciliation committee.
The Chairman of the PDP-GF and Governor of Bauchi State, Bala Mohammed, made the announcement while addressing journalists following a crucial meeting held on Sunday night in Abuja.
Governor Mohammed stated that the committee has been tasked with reconciling aggrieved members of the party ahead of the PDP National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting slated for 27 May and the forthcoming national convention scheduled for August.
“We are here with all the governors elected under the party, who are still in the party and a substantial number of former PDP governors, with our leaders, the chairman of the party, and some members of the National Working Committee (NWC),” Mohammed said.
“We discussed some of the issues relating to our party, some existential issues, of course, that have been circulating in the media and among us, so that we will be able to navigate smoothly for the NEC scheduled to take place on May 27 and by August, we will have an early convention.
“So many issues and reports have been made, and it is an opportunity to close ranks, and to make sure that at least there is no ill feelings, there are no qualms, there are no misgivings between the leaders of the party.
“Governors of the party have reached out to our colleagues who have been there before, who have more experience.
“Whatever suggestions or opinions they may have, will go a long way in giving an added impetus to the actualisation of our NEC, and our convention that is scheduled to take place on specific days.
“We want to reassure our teaming supporters that the PDP is working, the PDP is united,” he added.
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When asked about the recent defection of Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, and others to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Mohammed said the party was actively working to fortify its structures and reclaim its lost states.
“Well, this is some of the manifestations in a democratic set-up like this that we have, and this is what is forcing us to come together.
“Rather than diminishing and weakening, it is making us stronger, and we will make sure at least those chapters where we have history, where we have structure, are not left alone.
“They will be able to produce governors of the PDP by the grace of God, because we will be providing the level playing field in the next convention that is coming up,” he stated.
On the specific issues discussed, Mohammed said: “I cannot tell you all the issues that we discussed.
“We discussed unity. Definitely there are some ill feelings, and we are not here to hide things under the carpet. You know some of them.
“Some of the litigations in court, some of the misgivings between party members, and of course, we wouldn’t want to blame the APC for causing crisis, but they are likely to be the ones. We are not saying they are,” he explained.
The other members of the reconciliation committee include Governors Dauda Lawal of Zamfara, Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau, and Peter Mbah of Enugu State; along with Senators Seriake Dickson and Ibrahim Dankwambo, and former Abia State Governor, Chief Okezie Ikpeazu.
The meeting, which took place at the Bauchi Governor’s Lodge in Abuja, was attended by the governors of Enugu, Zamfara, Plateau, Taraba, Adamawa, Osun and Oyo States.
Also in attendance were Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike; Secretary of the PDP Board of Trustees and former Kaduna State Governor, Ahmed Makarfi; as well as other prominent party figures including Senators Aminu Tambuwal, Sule Lamido, Samuel Ortom, Gabriel Suswam, Sam Egwu, Liyel Imoke, Achike Udenwa, Olagunsoye Oyinlola, Adamu Mu’azu and Idris Wada.
The party’s acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, and other members of the National Working Committee, including National Organising Secretary, Umar Bature, and National Legal Adviser, Kamaldeen Ajibade, were also present.
