Saraki-Led Reconciliation Panel Rescues PDP From Brink Of Collapse, Says Renaissance Group.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Renaissance group has hailed the reconciliation and strategy committee, chaired by former Senate President Dr Bukola Saraki, for preventing the collapse of Nigeria’s main opposition party. The group’s convener, Bashir Sulaiman, in a statement issued on Thursday, 28 August 2025, praised the committee’s efforts in resolving internal disputes and steering the PDP towards stability ahead of its national convention.
The Saraki-led committee, established by the PDP Governors’ Forum under the leadership of Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, includes prominent figures such as former Bayelsa Governor Seriake Dickson and former Gombe Governor Ibrahim Dankwambo. Tasked with addressing factional disputes and preparing the party for its upcoming convention, the committee has been credited with fostering unity where many anticipated chaos. “Many had predicted that the PDP would collapse under the weight of its internal disagreements,” Sulaiman noted. “Yet, thanks to Dr Saraki, his reconciliation committee, and the backing of the PDP Governors’ Forum, the party has defied those expectations.”
The PDP has faced significant challenges since the 2023 general elections, with internal rifts deepening over leadership disputes, notably the tussle for the National Secretary position. The committee’s interventions have led to the successful conduct of the party’s 100th, 101st, and 102nd National Executive Committee (NEC) meetings without rancour, resolving long-standing issues amicably. Sulaiman highlighted the resolution of the National Secretary dispute as a key achievement, noting that the party is now better positioned to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 elections.
The reconciliation efforts have also paved the way for the establishment of committees to manage the PDP’s convention and zoning framework, ensuring a smoother path towards organisational cohesion. “I am very impressed by what Dr Saraki, the Reconciliation and Strategy Committee, and the PDP Governors’ Forum have done to get the PDP back on track,” Sulaiman said, commending their precision and dedication. He added that the party’s renewed unity positions it to reclaim power from a government perceived as out of touch with citizens’ needs.
The committee’s work has not been without challenges. Earlier in 2025, tensions arose when the panel’s endorsement of Senator Samuel Anyanwu’s return as National Secretary sparked objections from the South-East caucus and other stakeholders, including Enugu Governor Peter Mbah and the PDP Board of Trustees. Despite these hurdles, Saraki’s diplomatic approach, supported by consultations with key figures like Oyo Governor Seyi Makinde and Enugu’s Mbah, has helped navigate the party through turbulent waters.
The PDP Renaissance group’s statement underscores the broader significance of the committee’s success, portraying the PDP as a resilient force in Nigeria’s democratic landscape. With preparations for the national convention in full swing, the party is poised to strengthen its structures and present a united front, offering hope to supporters who see it as a viable alternative to the APC.
