Tension is mounting again in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) over delay in the commencement of reconciliation process, three weeks after the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting.

The PDP NEC, at its meeting last month had resolved to constitute a panel to reconcile aggrieved members of the party. However, the National Working Committee (NWC) saddled with the task of implementing NEC’s recommendation is yet to unveil the reconciliation panel.

A top official of the party told Daily Sun that the mass defections being experienced in some state chapters, especially in the South East, was a danger signal for the opposition party. 

The party official, who pleaded anonymity said leaders of the party were unhappy that the NWC under the leadership of the acting national chairman, Umar Damagum, was yet to fully constitute the reconciliation, close to one month after the last NEC’s meeting.

“Party leaders are unhappy with Damagum over the recent developments in the party. They are blaming the defections on the inability of Damagum led NWC to quickly activate the reconciliation process in the party immediately after the last NEC meeting. There are concerns that this defections would have adverse effects on the party, especially in the South East.”

In the last three weeks, several leaders of the party from across the country, including former Kastina State governor, Ibrahim Shema, have ditched the party, citing various reasons.

Also, former Imo State governor, Emeka Ihedioha and some party leaders across the three senatorial zones have also dumped the party. Similarly, in Ebonyi, Abia and Edo states, several leaders have also resigned their membership of the party.

Daily Sun gathered that the gale of defections is generating concerns among the party leaders, who fear that the development would likely affect efforts by the party to reposition itself ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The former national vice chairman, South, Nze Ozichukwu Chukwu, in a telephone interview, with Daily Sun described the exodus of members from the party as quite unfortunate. He noted that the defections have long been expected, especially as the party has failed to do things right.

“I think it is quite unfortunate. However, I see it from the phenomenon of the conventional nature in geography of land and sea breezes. It has been long expected.”

According to him,  “Unfortunately, the explosions in the party are being caused by people  who continue to exhibit the messianic complex.”

On the state of the party in the South East, he noted: “I have told you that it has been long expected, because when a party indulges in multiple principles and plural principals, there is no way those conflicts and contradictions can stand. They will rather result in mutual destruction. Wishful thinking and prayers cannot solve the problems, genuine intentions and actions are equally necessary.

“Again, how genuine are they about reconciliation? And who is going to reconcile who?  For what purpose and in whose interest?”

Nevertheless, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, told Daily  Sun that the party was consulting on the composition of the reconciliation committee, and would unveil it soon.

He expressed optimism that the reconciliation committee when constituted would resolve all grievances that have led to some of members defecting to other political parties.

“You recall that we said every organ of the party and critical stakeholders would be consulted, including the BoT, the Governors’ Forum, and the National Assembly caucuses, both at the Senate and the House of Representatives. You don’t expect this thing to happen overnight.

“So, that process is ongoing. We are happy with what we have done so far. And we are very confident that at the end of the day, we are going to have a team that will superintend over the process of reconciliation across the country.

“Everybody is important in this party. We recognise the contribution of people that have been in this party. Again, when you talk about party, yes, you must aspire because of your interest in the party. But, the party must be there to create a platform for you to aspire.

“You referenced a couple of individuals that we recognise and we respect, former governors, and deputy speakers under the platform of the PDP. Those are the issues that the reconciliation committee will be talking about. We have had people who left the party before, and came back because of the reconciliation effort. We are confident that they know we respect their views. We will, as a party, try to address those challenges.”

Sun