PDP BoT forms reconciliation committee ahead of national convention

The Board of Trustees (BoT) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has set up a six-member committee to reconcile warring factions within the party ahead of its elective national convention scheduled for November 15 and 16, 2025, in Ibadan, Oyo State.

The decision was reached during an emergency BoT meeting held on Wednesday, November 5, in Abuja.

In a communiqué signed by BoT Chairman, Senator Adolphus Wabara, the board said the committee’s mandate is to unify all aggrieved groups and ensure peace before the convention. The panel is chaired by Ambassador Hassan Adamu (North East), with Chief Mike Oghiadomhe (South South) as secretary.

Other members include Chief Ugochukwu Okeke (South East), Senator Zaynab Kure (North Central), Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola (South West), and Dr. Lubna Mohammed Gusau (North West). The committee is expected to submit its report by November 11, 2025.

The BoT reaffirmed its support for the Ambassador Iliya Damagum-led National Working Committee (NWC) and commended the NWC, the PDP Governors’ Forum, and other organs for stabilising the party despite ongoing internal tensions.

It also welcomed the Oyo State High Court ruling affirming the PDP’s right to conduct its national convention as scheduled, describing the judgment as a “victory for democracy and the rule of law.”

Addressing recent turmoil within the party, including the takeover of the PDP national secretariat in Abuja by loyalists of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, the BoT urged restraint and unity. It stressed that it would not take sides but would act as the “conscience of the party,” promoting dialogue over division.

The BoT said the reconciliation initiative was not a sign of weakness but a demonstration of “maturity and responsibility” as the PDP works to maintain cohesion ahead of its convention.

The latest intervention comes amid renewed infighting within the PDP. On Monday, Deputy National Chairman Mohammed Abdulrahman, backed by Wike, declared himself acting national chairman and took control of the Wadata Plaza secretariat in Abuja.

In response, the embattled chairman, Umar Damagum, wrote to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on November 1, notifying the commission of the suspension of National Secretary Senator Samuel Anyanwu and four others over alleged anti-party activities.