Firstsitenew- The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is intensifying efforts to address growing internal crises and stem the tide of defections, as the party’s Governors’ Reconciliation Committee, led by former Senate President Bukola Saraki, held a crucial meeting with members of the National Working Committee (NWC) on Monday.
The high-stakes meeting, which included Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum, National Organising Secretary Umar Bature, and National Legal Adviser Kamaldeen Ajibade (SAN), focused primarily on halting ongoing defections, resolving the leadership dispute in the South-South zone, and settling the contentious issue surrounding the position of the National Secretary.
Since the 2023 general elections, the PDP has faced persistent internal rifts. Tensions worsened with the public fallout between Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, now Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. Compounded by unresolved leadership issues in the South-South and the prolonged vacancy of the National Secretary post since December 2024, the party has struggled to present a united front.
Despite intervention efforts by the NWC, the Board of Trustees, the National Executive Committee, and the PDP Governors’ Forum, reconciliation attempts have only deepened the divides, leading to fragmentation at various levels of the party structure. The crisis escalated on April 23 when a major defection occurred: Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, his predecessor Ifeanyi Okowa, and several prominent figures exited the party. The move delivered a major blow to the PDP’s public image and raised alarm about its chances in the 2027 elections.
In response, the PDP convened a meeting on May 11 in Abuja, bringing together serving and former governors as well as NWC members. Following the meeting, Bauchi State Governor and Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum, Bala Mohammed, announced Saraki’s appointment as head of the reconciliation committee.
Other committee members include Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal, Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang, Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah, and former governors Seriake Dickson (Bayelsa), Ibrahim Dankwambo (Gombe), and Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia).
According to a senior party source, the heated Monday meeting deferred the final decision on the National Secretary role to the Saraki-led committee. The panel has also been tasked with resolving the South-South leadership dispute through out-of-court settlements.
"The meeting was very tense," the source told The PUNCH. "They agreed Saraki’s panel should handle both the National Secretary issue and the South-South conflict. Saraki also met with the Acting Chairman, Organising Secretary, and Legal Adviser to formulate a strategy to reduce defections."
The source also confirmed that the Supreme Court’s judgment in favor of Samuel Anyanwu returning as National Secretary was accepted during the meeting, and Anyanwu resumed his role the previous day.
Further discussions were held with former and current governors. Wike, according to insiders, used the opportunity to clear his name. He insisted that he informed PDP leaders before accepting the ministerial appointment and denied engaging in anti-party activities during the 2023 election.
"He said he only refused to support Atiku but delivered every PDP candidate in Rivers — from the governorship to the State Assembly," the source revealed. "Wike challenged anyone to bring proof of claims that he promised to deliver the FCT to APC in 2027."
The Saraki committee is expected to brief PDP governors before the party’s NEC meeting on May 27, where a detailed report will be presented to assess progress made in healing party divisions.
Meanwhile, The PUNCH has learned that the South East Zonal Caucus is scheduled to meet in Enugu today (Wednesday), hosted by Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah. Sources within the zone described the meeting as “critical,” confirming that a definitive and final decision on the National Secretary position will be made.
"The South East Zonal meeting will take place in Enugu," a source stated. "The zone is ready to take a firm stance on the matter."
However, despite reports that Anyanwu has resumed as National Secretary, the PDP’s NWC, in a statement issued by National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba, clarified that Setonji Koshoedo remains the acting scribe.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the nomination form for the PDP’s candidate in the Anambra State governorship election was signed by the authorized officials — Acting National Chairman Amb. Iliya Damagum and Acting National Secretary Arch. Setonji Koshoedo,” the statement read. It referenced a letter dated May 7, 2025 (Document No: PDP/DOM/GF.2/VOL.1J/25-065).
With ongoing meetings and a critical NEC gathering ahead, the PDP's leadership is racing against time to stabilize the party, restore confidence, and prevent further erosion of its political base ahead of 2027.
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