The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governors have raised concerns about possible interference by the All Progressives s Congress (APC) in the internal crisis facing the opposition party.
This revelation came during a high-stakes meeting convened by the PDP Governors Forum in Abuja, aimed at addressing pressing challenges ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, who chairs the PDP Governors Forum, briefed journalists after the closed-door meeting.
The gathering brought together current and former PDP governors, as well as key party leaders, to discuss strategies for fostering unity and resolving internal divisions.
Governor Mohammed stated, “We are here with all the governors elected under the party, that are still in the party, and a substantial number of former PDP governors, with our leaders, the chairman of the party, and some members of the National Working Committee.
“We discussed some of the issues relating to our party, some existential issues, of course, that have been around in the media, within us, so that we will be able to navigate smoothly for the NEC that is scheduled to take place on the 27th of this month, and by August we will have an early convention.”
The meeting emphasized the need to address misgivings, litigations, and ill feelings among party members to ensure a united front.
To this end, a seven-member reconciliation committee, headed by former Senate President and ex-governor of Kwara State, Bukola Saraki, was established to facilitate swift resolution of disputes and promote harmony within the party.
Governor Mohammed explained, “We set up a committee of seven, headed by His Excellency, the former Senate President, and of course former Governor of Kwara State, Bukola Saraki, to make sure that at least quick reconciliation and reach out will be made, in such a manner that we will have a very rancour-free and harmonious NEC and convention.”
He also acknowledged the recent wave of defections within the PDP but framed them as a catalyst for strengthening the party.
The Governor said, “This is some of the manifestations in a democratic set-up like this that we have, and this is what is forcing us to come together.
“Rather than diminishing and weakening, it is making us stronger, and we will make sure at least those chapters where we have history, where we have structure, are not left alone. They will be able to produce next governors of the PDP by the grace of God, because we will be providing the level playing field in the next convention that is coming up.”
The governors also discussed preparations for the upcoming National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting scheduled for the 27th of this month and an early convention in August.
While Governor Mohammed avoided directly blaming the APC for the PDP’s internal crisis, he hinted at the possibility of external influence.
“We wouldn’t want to blame the APC for causing crisis, but they are likely to be the ones. We are not saying they are the ones,” he said.
The PDP governors reassured supporters of the party’s unity and readiness to address its challenges. They also vowed to close ranks and ensure a harmonious NEC and convention, signalling a renewed focus on reclaiming political relevance in the country.
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