In its strategic efforts to reposition the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in preparation for the upcoming 2027 general elections, the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) has taken a significant step by constituting a new National Reconciliation Committee. This committee will be comprised of 25 members and will be led by the former Governor of Osun State, Olagunsoye Oyinlola, who is expected to guide the committee through these complex political waters.
The announcement regarding this important development was made by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Hon. Debo Ologunagba, during a press briefing held in Abuja on Friday. In his statements, Ologunagba emphasized that the formation of this committee was driven by an earlier approval granted by the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC), underscoring the unity and cooperative spirit within the party as they prepare for future electoral challenges.
Ologunagba stated, “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 as follows: Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola-Chairman, Rt. Hon. Chibudom Nwuche, Alh. Bello Tafidan Gusau, Sen. Ben Ndi Obi, CON (BOT), Sen. Tunde Ogbeha- Member.”
The list of committee members includes a diverse group of influential figures, such as Sen. Shuaibu Isa Lau, Dame Dr. Esther Uduehi (BOT), and Sen. Zainab Kure (BOT), among others. Additional members are Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, SAN (BOT), Alhaja Mutia Olayinka Ladoja (BOT), Dr. Abimbola Ogunkelu (BOT), as well as Rt. Hon. Ude Oko-Chukwu, Rt. Hon. Boyelayefa Debekeme, Chief Emmanuel Ogidi, and Dr. Eddy Olafeso.
The committee also features Chief Dan Ulasi, Hon. Abdulsamad Dasuki, Otunba Segun Showunmi, Barr. Amina B.B. Faruk, Alh. Hamza Akuyan Koshe, and Evang. Mike Ikoku. Additionally, Oloye Jumoke Akinjide and Comrade Bisi Fakayode are part of the team, with Sen. Ibrahim Dankwambo appointed to serve as the Secretary of the committee, while Chief Anicho Okoro is designated as the Administrative Secretary.
Ologunagba further noted that the inauguration of this committee will take place at a future date, which is yet to be announced, highlighting the party’s intention to move forward cohesively. The NWC urged all leaders, critical stakeholders, and the dedicated members of the PDP to remain focused on their shared vision, principles, and aspirations, which are vital for the overall growth, development, and stability of both the PDP and the nation as a whole.
In related news, it is worth noting that the PDP has been facing significant internal challenges since its presidential primary held on May 28, 2022. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar emerged victorious in that primary, garnering 371 votes to defeat his immediate closest rival, the former Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, who is now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and received 237 votes.
Wike, along with four of his fellow governors, formed a faction known as the Group of 5 or G5, openly campaigning against the PDP and its presidential candidate. They have publicly voiced their demands for the resignation of the now-ousted National Chairman of the party, Sen. Iyiorchia Ayu, arguing that it is not appropriate for both the party leader and the presidential candidate to come from the same geographical region at the same time.
Additionally, it should be noted that various state chapters of the PDP are currently experiencing their own forms of turmoil, as different factions contend for influence and control within the party at all levels. This internal struggle signifies the challenges the party faces as it seeks to unify and strengthen itself ahead of the crucial 2027 elections.
