2027: PDP launches national reconciliation panel

In a move aimed at resolving internal conflicts and strengthening its position for the 2027 elections, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has established a National Reconciliation Committee (NRC).

This initiative, announced by party spokesperson Debo Ologunagba on August 9, 2024, in Abuja, is intended to address concerns from party members and enhance the party’s unity and effectiveness.

The statement read: “Following the National Executive Committee (NEC) approval for the constitution of the PDP National Reconciliation Committee (NRC) of our great party, the National Working Committee (NWC) hereby releases the list of the members of the National Reconciliation Committee.”

Although members of the newly formed NRC are senior PDP figures with extensive connections across the party’s membership at the federal, state, and local government levels, a significant challenge that may test their collective efforts is the differing positions of former Vice President Alhaji Atiku Abubakar and FCT Minister Nyesom Wike.

Among other issues, Atiku has already declared a strong resolve to contest for PDP’s presidential ticket in 2027 while Wike has publicly declared his intention to do everything towards the re-election of President Bola Tinubu who is likely to run again on the ticket of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Additionally, loyalists of Atiku are among party members insisting that serious disciplinary measures against those who allegedly worked against PDP interests at the federal and state levels during the 2023 general elections while Wike loyaPrincewith8n and outside the PDP National headquarters ppear resolute to ensure that nothing comes out of such plans.

The list of the new 25-member PDP National Reconciliation Committee which has former Osun state governor, Colonel Olagunsoye Oyinlola (rtd) as its chairman includes the spokesman of Alhaji Atiku Abubakar ‘s 2019 presidential election campaign team, Otunba Segun Showunmi.

Other members include former Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Chibudom Nwuche, Alh. Bello Tafidan Gusau, member of PDP Board of Trustees, Senator Ben Ndi Obi, former military governor, Senator Tunde Ogbeha, Senator Shuaibu Isa Lau and Dr. Esther Uduehi who is also a member of PDP BOT.

While former governor, Senator Ibrahim Dankwambo is to play the role of Secretary, other members of the new PDP NRC are former First Lady of Niger state and BOT member, Senator Zainab Kure, former minister, Kabiru Tanimu Turaki (SAN), Alhaja Mutia Olayinka Ladoja, Dr. Abimbola Ogunkelu and a former governor, Rt. Hon. Ude Oko-Chukwu.

Others are Rt. Hon. Dr. Boyelayefa Debekeme, Chief Emmanuel Ogidi, Dr. Eddy Olafeso, Chief Dan Ulasi, Hon. Abdulsamad Dasuki, Hajia Amina B.B. Faruk, Alhaji Hamza Akuyan Koshe, Evangelist Mike Ikoku, Oloye Jumoke Akinjide, Comrade Bisi Fakayode and Chief Anicho Okoro, who is to work as their Administrative Secretary.

“The Committee will be inaugurated on a date to be communicated in due course.

“The NWC charges all leaders, critical stakeholders and teeming members of the PDP to remain focused and committed to the vision, principles and aspiration of our great party in the overall interest of the growth, development and stability of the PDP and the nation,” Ologunagba added.