By Ademola tijani
In preparation for the 2027 general election, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has officially established a 25-member national reconciliation committee. Four months after initially announcing plans for the committee, the party has appointed former Osun State Governor Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola as chairman to lead efforts to reconcile members and address internal divisions.
The decision to form this committee followed a contentious National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in April, where the reconstitution of the Party Disciplinary and Reconciliation Committee was approved to stabilize the party. Oyinlola’s appointment as chairman came amid earlier speculation that former Senate President Abubakar Bukola Saraki would lead the team, as he had done during the 2023 presidential election.
The establishment of the new committee coincides with the party’s ongoing congresses ahead of next month’s NEC meeting, which will determine the selection of the party’s substantial national chairman. Internal conflicts within the party have been particularly notable in Benue and Kogi States, while significant defections have occurred in Imo and Abia States.
Alongside Oyinlola, former Gombe State Governor Ibrahim Dankwambo has been named secretary of the committee. Other prominent members include Hon. Chibudom Nwuche, Alhaji Bello Tafidan Gusau, High Chief Ben Ndi Obi, Senator Tunde Ogbeha, Senator Shuaibu Isa Lau, Dame Esther Uduehi, Senator Zainab Kure, Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, and Alhaja Mutia Olayinka Ladoja, among others.
In a statement, PDP National Publicity Secretary Hon. Debo Ologunagba announced the committee and urged party leaders, stakeholders, and members to stay focused on the party’s vision, principles, and aspirations for the growth, development, and stability of both the PDP and the nation. The committee’s inauguration date will be announced in due course.
