In a strategic move to salvage its waning influence and foster internal cohesion, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Special Reconciliation Committee, led by former Senate President Bukola Saraki, paid a high-profile visit to Enugu State on Friday. The closed-door meeting with Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah marked the committee’s first stop in a nationwide consultation tour ahead of the party’s much-anticipated National Executive Council (NEC) meeting and convention.
Accompanied by fellow political heavyweights — former Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Seriake Dickson, and former Gombe State Governor, Ibrahim Dankwambo — Saraki emphasized that the mission is to “build a united and forward-looking PDP capable of reclaiming its dominant role in Nigeria’s political landscape.”
Addressing journalists after the meeting at the Enugu Government House, Dr. Saraki described the dialogue with Governor Mbah as “very, very useful,” highlighting the governor’s influence as a critical leader within the South East geopolitical zone — a region historically regarded as a PDP stronghold.
“This is the first state we are visiting, and we deliberately chose Enugu because of the pivotal role the South East has always played in the soul and strength of the PDP. Our consultation with Governor Mbah is both strategic and symbolic,” Saraki said.
He further praised Governor Mbah’s visionary leadership and transformative governance in Enugu State, stating that it exemplifies the type of developmental impact the PDP can deliver nationwide when given the mandate.
“We commend the governor’s leadership both within the party and in governance. What he’s doing in Enugu is not just admirable — it’s a strong case study for the kind of progress the PDP can bring to Nigeria,” Saraki noted.
The committee, inaugurated by the PDP Governors’ Forum, is tasked with dousing tensions, resolving internal disputes, and laying the foundation for a smooth and unified NEC meeting and convention. Their visit comes amid rising apprehensions over party unity, especially following the South East PDP’s recent communique that issued a veiled ultimatum.
At the South East PDP Zonal Executive Council (ZEC) meeting held two weeks prior, the region’s party leadership had reaffirmed the renomination of former National Youth Leader, Sunday Udeh-Okoye, as the substantive National Secretary. The communique warned that failure to honour the zone’s decision could result in a mass exodus and a possible re-evaluation of the region’s loyalty to the PDP.
“In the event that our position is not promptly implemented by the party, the South East PDP, as a family, will be compelled to reconsider our relationship with the PDP going forward,” the communique declared.
In response, the reconciliation committee’s visit signals a critical intervention to address brewing discontent and reposition the party for resurgence ahead of future national engagements.
“We have seen today that no challenge before the PDP is insurmountable,” Saraki affirmed. “The spirit and commitment of our leaders, particularly Governor Mbah, is truly inspiring. With this visit, we can confidently say that the foundation for a greater, renewed PDP has been laid here in Enugu.”
The outcome of this visit — and the committee’s ongoing work — may well determine the future trajectory of Nigeria’s oldest surviving political party as it seeks to reassert its relevance and unity ahead of 2027.
PIONEER NEWS 