Saraki Panel Mobilises PDP Bigwigs Against Defections

In a decisive move to stem the tide of defections and restore order within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the Reconciliation Committee led by former Senate President Bukola Saraki has taken center stage. On Monday, Saraki convened a high-level meeting with members of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC), including Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum, National Organising Secretary Umar Bature, and National Legal Adviser Kamaldeen Ajibade (SAN).

This strategic engagement focused on resolving the deepening internal crisis, particularly disputes over the vacant National Secretary position and leadership conflicts in the South-South zone. A party source confirmed that the committee was also charged with the task of diffusing tensions and preventing further defections, particularly following the shocking exit of Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa to the APC on April 23.

According to insiders, the reconciliation efforts come as a last-ditch attempt to hold the party together before the crucial 2027 general elections. Despite interventions from the NWC, Board of Trustees, NEC, and the PDP Governors’ Forum, internal rifts have persisted, widening the gulf among party stakeholders.

A Party at Crossroads: Defections and Power Tussles

The PDP has faced a deluge of high-profile defections in recent months, igniting panic within its leadership ranks. The defection of the Delta power bloc, along with several prominent figures, marked a critical turning point, highlighting the party’s crumbling unity and its inability to enforce loyalty among members.

The defection crisis is compounded by unresolved leadership tussles, particularly the contention over the position of National Secretary. A Supreme Court judgment had affirmed Samuel Anyanwu as the rightful occupant of the position, yet the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, reaffirmed that Setonji Koshoedo remained the acting secretary, citing PDP constitutional provisions.

In Kebbi State, three Senators — Adamu Aliero, Yahaya Abdullahi, and Garba Maidoki — formally defected to the APC last week, citing PDP’s failure to offer visionary leadership. Aliero, a former Kebbi governor, said his return to the APC was rooted in the party’s disconnect from Nigerians’ aspirations and internal dysfunction.

South East Zone Moves to Assert Position on National Secretary

Amid the growing crisis, attention has shifted to the South East Zonal Caucus, which is expected to meet in Enugu to make a final decision on the National Secretary position. Multiple sources confirmed to OpitanglobaMedia News that the meeting will be hosted by Enugu Governor Peter Mbah and will be decisive.

Party insiders reveal that the zone is increasingly assertive about reclaiming its position in the national leadership structure and is determined to push back against internal manipulations. The decision of the caucus may set the tone for the upcoming NEC meeting on May 27, where the Saraki panel is expected to present its findings and resolutions.

Meanwhile, the NWC maintains that Koshoedo’s authority is valid and that the nomination process for the Anambra State governorship election was legally completed under his and Damagum’s signatures. This further underscores the institutional resistance Anyanwu’s return may face, despite the Supreme Court verdict.

Wike Defends His Role, Denies Anti-Party Activities

During a heated meeting between serving and former PDP governors, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike was asked to clarify his role in the party’s 2023 electoral activities and his relationship with the APC-led federal government. Wike firmly denied allegations of anti-party conduct, stating that he had openly declared his lack of support for PDP presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar but worked hard to ensure victory for all other PDP candidates in Rivers State.

He reportedly challenged anyone with evidence of wrongdoing to come forward and dismissed claims that he had promised to deliver the FCT to the APC in 2027 as unfounded. His spirited defense was part of a broader conversation aimed at clearing the air among governors and mending frayed relationships.

Despite the controversy surrounding his appointment as a federal minister under an APC administration, Wike insisted that he had informed PDP leadership of his decision and that he remained committed to the party’s success at state and legislative levels.

PDP’s Future Hangs in the Balance

While the Saraki committee works behind the scenes to forge unity, leading voices within the party have expressed divergent views about the PDP’s future. Former Benue Governor Gabriel Suswam painted a grim picture during an interview on Arise TV, warning that the party could collapse before 2027 if decisive actions are not taken.

However, other party stalwarts such as Okechukwu Osuoha and Ibrahim Tsauri remain optimistic. Osuoha likened the crisis to an aircraft experiencing turbulence — unsettling but not fatal. He expressed confidence that the PDP will overcome its current storm through reason and collective interest.

Tsauri, a member of the Board of Trustees and former National Secretary, was even more blunt. He urged disloyal members to exit the party, asserting that the PDP will soon be repositioned by those genuinely committed to its ideals. According to him, the coming months will mark the beginning of a PDP resurgence that could bring back estranged members.

As the May 27 NEC meeting approaches, all eyes remain on the Saraki committee and its ability to halt the hemorrhage, reconcile divided leaders, and present a unified front ahead of the 2027 elections. Whether this political firefight ends in redemption or implosion will depend on the sincerity of the party’s top brass and the willingness of its factions to put the PDP first.