PDP Shifts NEC Meeting as Saraki Panel Intensifies Peace Talks

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has officially postponed its 99th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting initially slated for May 27, 2025. The meeting, which was to hold at the PDP’s National Secretariat in Abuja, was suspended to allow the Senator Bukola Saraki-led Reconciliation Committee to complete its peace-building assignment.

The announcement was made through a formal notice signed by the PDP National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu. The notice, titled “Postponement of the 99th NEC Meeting”, clarified that a new date for the meeting would be communicated in due course. “This is to formally inform leaders and members of the National Executive Committee (NEC) of our great party that the proposed NEC meeting earlier announced to take place on May 27, 2025, has been postponed,” the statement read.

Saraki Panel’s Peace Mandate in Focus

The decision to postpone the NEC meeting is directly linked to the ongoing reconciliation process led by former Senate President, Bukola Saraki. His committee has been tasked with the critical mission of resolving internal disputes that have threatened the party’s cohesion and stability in recent months.

According to the PDP, the Saraki-led committee needs additional time to finalize its consultations and bring warring factions to a consensus before a full NEC meeting can be effectively held. “The postponement is to allow the Sen. Bukola Saraki’s Reconciliation Committee to complete its assignment of resolving some internal conflicts necessary to have a peaceful NEC meeting,” the statement emphasized.

Dispute Over Party Communications and Unauthorized Notices

The PDP also took the opportunity to address concerns over conflicting communications circulating within the party. Senator Anyanwu, in the statement, warned party stakeholders to disregard any NEC-related communications not issued through proper channels.

In particular, he flagged publications or notices allegedly signed by the Deputy National Secretary, acting in the capacity of the National Secretary, as unauthorized and illegal. “Any notice of NEC meeting or publication signed by the Deputy National Secretary in the guise of Acting National Secretary is illegal, unauthorized, and should be disregarded,” the PDP declared.

Wike Withdraws From Peace Deal Amid Accusations

In a significant development that underscores the severity of the party’s internal challenges, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, announced his withdrawal from all reconciliation agreements with the PDP leadership. Wike, a former governor of Rivers State and influential party figure, accused unnamed party leaders of deepening the crisis rather than resolving it.

Speaking on his decision, Wike expressed frustration over what he described as persistent betrayal and manipulation by certain elements within the party. “I’ve been working for PDP tirelessly since 1998,” Wike lamented, adding that his efforts have been undermined by those fanning the flames of division within the party. His withdrawal is viewed by many observers as a significant blow to the Saraki committee’s reconciliation efforts.

Next Steps and Implications for PDP’s Unity

The postponement of the NEC meeting and the turbulence surrounding Wike’s decision have added fresh urgency to the task before the Saraki Reconciliation Committee. The success or failure of its mission could significantly determine the PDP’s ability to project unity and readiness ahead of critical political contests.

Party insiders say the National Working Committee is under pressure to ensure that the internal wranglings are resolved ahead of the NEC’s eventual reconvening. As it stands, the PDP appears to be at a crossroads, with its unity hanging in the balance while strategic decisions about leadership, future elections, and internal reforms remain pending.

The party has assured members and stakeholders that all inconveniences resulting from the change of date are deeply regretted. “Please accept the assurances of my esteemed regards,” the statement concluded, reflecting the leadership’s hope for a peaceful resolution and the eventual reconvening of a productive NEC meeting.