The Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, has launched a national reconciliation committee to resolve grievances from its recently concluded party primaries and strengthening internal unity ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The seven-member committee, chaired by Prof. Pat Utomi with Alhaji Buba Galadima serving as co-chair, was inaugurated in Abuja on Thursday at the party’s headquarters.
Its mandate includes reconciling aggrieved aspirants, reviewing complaints from congresses and primaries, restoring confidence among party members, and recommending strategies to integrate dissatisfied members into the party’s campaign structure.
Speaking at the inauguration, Prof. Utomi described the committee’s assignment as critical to both the party’s future and Nigeria’s democratic development. He stressed that the initiative goes beyond resolving disputes over party tickets, saying it is designed to build a stronger political movement focused on national development and the aspirations of young Nigerians.
Utomi urged members to place collective interest above personal ambition, warning that self-serving politics has hindered national progress. He assured all aspirants who participated in the primaries that they would continue to play meaningful roles within the party, regardless of the outcome of the contests.
Co-chair Buba Galadima acknowledged that reconciling disappointed aspirants would be challenging but said the committee would approach the task with fairness and commitment. He reminded members that every democratic contest produces winners and losers, urging them to remain focused on the party’s broader objective of providing an alternative leadership for Nigeria.
Galadima also argued that certain provisions of Nigeria’s electoral framework contribute to internal disputes during party primaries and encouraged aggrieved members to embrace dialogue rather than division.
NDC National Chairman, Senator Cleopas Moses Zuwoghe, described the reconciliation effort as a necessary step following a competitive primary process that naturally left many aspirants disappointed. He noted that the party, despite being only a few months old, had completed membership registration, congresses, a national convention and nationwide primaries within the timetable set by the electoral commission.
According to him, while some disagreements have found their way to the courts, the party remains committed to peaceful resolution and rebuilding trust among its members. He explained that the committee’s responsibility extends beyond settling disputes to strengthening unity and preparing the party for the 2027 elections.
Senator Zuwoghe also encouraged members who did not secure party tickets not to lose hope, assuring them that they would continue to contribute significantly to the party’s growth and future administration if elected into office.
Party leaders maintained that the reconciliation process is intended to clear doubts, ease disappointment among members affected by the primary elections, and ensure everyone has a role in advancing the party’s vision of inclusive governance and national development.
The leadership expressed confidence that a united membership would position the NDC more strongly as preparations for the 2027 general elections gather momentum.
