The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has established a committee led by former Senate President Bukola Saraki to address the concerns of dissatisfied members in preparation for its upcoming National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting.
This announcement came after a meeting held on Sunday night at the Abuja residence of the PDP Governors’ Forum Chairman and Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed. The gathering was also attended by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, although he did not speak to the press.
Among the governors present were Ademola Adeleke (Osun), Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau), Ahmadu Fintiri (Adamawa), Seyi Makinde (Oyo), and Peter Mbah (Enugu). Other notable attendees included former governors Liyel Imoke (Cross River), Achike Udenwa (Imo), Olagunsoye Oyinlola (Osun), Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia), and Seriake Dickson (Bayelsa), as well as PDP Acting National Chairman Umar Damagun, former Caretaker Committee Chairman Ahmed Makarfi, and other members of the National Working Committee.
In a briefing to journalists, Governor Bala Mohammed explained that the meeting was convened to prepare for the party’s NEC meeting, scheduled for the end of May. He emphasized that former governors were invited to offer their expertise and help resolve internal issues, ensuring a smooth and unified NEC meeting and national convention later this year.
Regarding recent defections, Governor Mohammed stated that the PDP would emerge stronger despite the departures. He also mentioned that the party was strategizing to reclaim certain states where they previously held gubernatorial power.
Concerns have been raised following the defection of Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and his cabinet to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), along with other recent exits from the PDP. The opposition party has faced ongoing internal conflicts since the 2023 general elections, which were exacerbated by tensions between former Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike and his successor, Sim Fubara. Efforts by the PDP leadership, including the National Working Committee, Board of Trustees, NEC, and the PDP Governors’ Forum, to mediate the crisis have yet to yield results.
On April 23, Oborevwori, former Delta Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, and several state officials joined the APC. Additionally, three Kebbi lawmakers—Senators Adamu Aliero (Kebbi Central), Yahaya Abdullahi (Kebbi North), and Garba Maidoki (Kebbi South)—also defected to the ruling party after meeting with President Bola Tinubu. Many opposition leaders view these developments as part of a broader strategy to create a one-party state in Nigeria.
