In an effort to resolve the ongoing crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the party’s Special Reconciliation Committee, led by former Senate President Bukola Saraki, met with Enugu State Governor and South-East PDP leader, Peter Mbah, on Friday.
Other members of the committee present at the closed-door meeting at the Enugu Government House included former Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Seriake Dickson, and former Gombe State Governor, Ibrahim Dankwambo.
This meeting follows a communiqué issued after the South-East PDP Zonal Executive Council meeting two weeks ago, in which regional party leaders reaffirmed their nomination of former National Youth Leader, Sunday Udeh-Okoye, to complete the current term as PDP National Secretary. The communiqué warned that failure to honour this decision could trigger mass defections from the zone.
In a briefing following the meeting, Saraki explained:
“We are members of the PDP Reconciliation and Strategy Committee set up recently by the PDP Governors’ Forum to ensure our upcoming National Executive Council (NEC) meeting and potential convention are conducted peacefully and efficiently.
“This is our first consultation visit, and we deliberately started with Enugu because of the vital role the South-East plays in the PDP. The region has always been central to the strength and popularity of the party.”
Saraki commended Governor Mbah both for his leadership within the party and for the developmental strides being made in Enugu State, saying these reflected the impact of PDP-led governance.
He continued:
“We had fruitful discussions on how best to achieve our assignment. We’re confident that with continued consultation and unity, we will organise a rancour-free NEC and convention—setting a firm foundation for a rejuvenated PDP.”
Saraki added that the delegation was encouraged by the suggestions received and the commitment shown by leaders in the region. “What we’ve witnessed here today shows that no challenge is beyond resolution. The unity and spirit of our leaders are truly inspiring.”
The reconciliation committee was established in response to a wave of defections from the PDP in recent months, aiming to engage aggrieved members and rebuild cohesion within the opposition party.