PDP Reconciliation Panel Urges Caretaker Committee, Flags INEC Monitoring Doubts

The Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) Reconciliation Committee, headed by Ambassador Hassan Adamu, has submitted a pivotal report on the upcoming national convention to the party’s Board of Trustees (BoT). The committee expressed deep concerns over the feasibility of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) monitoring due to numerous conflicting court rulings that have cast uncertainty over the convention’s legitimacy and timing.

In its comprehensive findings, the committee recommended the immediate establishment of a neutral Caretaker Committee (CTC) to manage party affairs. This measure aims to avert a possible failed convention, which could jeopardize the PDP’s ability to field candidates across all levels nationwide. The committee underscored that the ongoing legal entanglements pose significant risks to party cohesion and electoral preparedness.

Additionally, the report calls for an urgent return to the status quo within the party, including lifting suspensions imposed by rival factions. It urges all involved parties to commit to genuine reconciliation to restore confidence among members and prepare on a united front for forthcoming elections.

Chairman of the PDP BoT, Senator Adolphus Wabara, received the report in Abuja, acknowledging the challenging political landscape but expressing optimism that the party will steer towards a peaceful and credible convention. The committee’s extensive consultations involved key stakeholders, including the PDP Governors’ Forum, the National Working Committee, and suspended national officers.

These developments come amid a backdrop of judicial interventions that have seen various courts issuing conflicting orders on the conduct of the convention and INEC’s supervisory role. Notably, Justice Peter Lifu of Abuja High Court recently barred INEC from monitoring the convention, citing the party’s non-compliance with internal rules and fairness, as challenged by former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido.

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Former Senate President Bukola Saraki has publicly supported the reconciliation committee’s stance, advocating for the suspension of the national convention in favor of installing a caretaker leadership. He warned that proceeding amid unresolved legal battles would deepen internal crises and potentially damage the party’s electoral prospects.

The PDP now faces the critical task of navigating these legal and political challenges to ensure a credible leadership structure is in place ahead of the 2027 elections.

This report marks a crucial juncture for the PDP as it seeks to reconcile internal divisions, comply with judicial expectations, and maintain its position as a major political force in Nigeria. The party’s ability to implement the reconciliation committee’s recommendations will be key to its unity and effectiveness in the coming electoral cycle.