Saraki, Makarfi, Gana Lead PDP Reconciliation Talks
In a renewed effort to mend the widening cracks within its ranks, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has turned to its veteran "troubleshooters." Former Senate President Bukola Saraki, former Kaduna State Governor Ahmed Makarfi, and former Information Minister Jerry Gana are now at the forefront of intensive talks aimed at unifying the party's warring factions.
The move comes on the heels of a critical ruling by the Court of Appeal, which recently nullified the controversial November 2025 convention held in Ibadan. That convention, which produced the Tanimu Turaki-led National Working Committee, had further polarized the party into two distinct camps.
A Strategy of Inclusion
Sources within the party reveal that the current reconciliation drive is characterized by a "no-victor, no-vanquished" approach. Unlike previous attempts, this round of talks involves:
* Harmonized Committees: Inclusion of members from both major factions in the planning of a fresh national convention.
* Fact-Finding Missions: Consultations with aggrieved stakeholders across the six geopolitical zones to address local grievances.
* Wike-Backed Influx: While the Saraki-led group handles the core diplomacy, a caretaker committee—reportedly backed by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike—has named former Abia Governor Okezie Ikpeazu to head the convention committee, signaling a delicate power-sharing arrangement.
Stakeholder Perspectives
A highly placed party source told The Nation that there is a palpable sense of "convention fatigue" among members, which is driving the new-found willingness to compromise.
> "Almost all members are now determined to put the past behind them. Reconciliation is an ongoing process, and while it won't stop the caretaker committee from organizing the convention, it ensures that whatever we do next week is legally and politically sound," the source stated.
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Similarly, former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido expressed a readiness to engage in broader national dialogue, even suggesting a willingness to meet with President Bola Tinubu if it serves the interest of Nigeria's progress, further highlighting a shift toward pragmatic politics.
The Road Ahead
The success of these talks remains a "wait-and-see" affair. By next week, the Saraki-led team is expected to present a formal report detailing whether the party will move forward with a unified front or face a "resumption of hostilities."
For now, the PDP is banking on the diplomatic weight of its elder statesmen to prevent a total implosion before the 2027 election cycle gathers full steam.