The crucial meeting of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors’ Forum with former governors on the platform of the Party on Sunday night, constituted a seven-man reconciliation committee with former President of the Senate, Dr Bukola Saraki as chairman.
Other members of the committee include Governors Peter Mbah of Enugu, Caleb Muftwang of Plateau, Dauda Lawal of Zamfara, former governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Seriake Dickson, former governor of Gombe – Ibrahim Dankwambo, and former governor of Abia State, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu.
This was announced at the end of the meeting by the Chairman of the Forum who is also the Governor of Bauchi State, Senator Bala Mohammed while briefing newsmen.
Senator Mohammed explained that the committee was mandated to reconcile aggrieved members ahead of the PDP National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting slated for May 27, 2025, and the national convention in August.
The Bauchi Governor said that the leaders of the Party that attended the meeting want to reassure members of the Party and teaming supporters that the PDP is working and united.
Mohammed further said; “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).
“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.
While responding to questions on the recent defection of the Delta State Governor, Hon Sheriff Oborevwori and others to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Mohammed said the party was working not only to strengthen its structures but also reclaim its states.
In his words; “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.
“We will make sure that 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 said.
Commenting on some of the issues discussed at the expanded meeting, Mohammed said the issue of unity was well discussed, adding that definitely, there are some ill feelings, adding that leaders of the Party that attended the meeting did not hide their feelings.
According to him; “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.”
