In a crucial bid to rejuvenate the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the North-East ahead of the 2027 general elections, key political figures from the region gathered for a high-stakes meeting in Bauchi on Thursday. The reconciliation talks were aimed at healing internal rifts and strengthening the party’s foothold in a region that has seen its fair share of tension in recent months.
However, the gathering of prominent leaders was overshadowed by the conspicuous absence of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, a major figure in the party. While several top officials who couldn’t make it to the meeting sent representatives, Atiku did not offer any representation, sparking speculation and drawing attention to his relationship with the PDP leadership at this critical time.
Among those present at the meeting were the three serving PDP governors from the North-East: Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi, Governor Agbu Kefas of Taraba, and Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri of Adamawa. Also in attendance were the party’s Reconciliation Committee, led by former National Secretary Olagunsoye Oyinlola, along with key lawmakers from the region.
Ambassador Umar Ilya Damagun, the PDP’s Acting National Chairman, used the occasion to deliver a stern message to party members, urging them to prioritize unity above individual ambitions. “We are all in politics for various reasons, but the most important thing is that you can only achieve your goals when your political vehicle is strong enough to take you to your destination,” he said.
The absence of Atiku, whose name is often synonymous with the PDP’s aspirations for a strong presidential bid, raised eyebrows, especially given the importance of the meeting in planning for the 2027 elections. Damagun, however, remained focused on the broader picture. “PDP is a Trojan horse— a tested and trusted party with experienced politicians who have seen it all. We have the capacity to weather any storm,” he remarked, clearly signaling the party’s resilience despite the internal conflicts.
Calls for Internal Reconciliation Intensify
Governor Bala Mohammed, who also chairs the PDP Governors’ Forum, emphasized the need for reconciliation within the party ranks. The Bauchi governor proposed an intriguing idea aimed at healing internal divisions: swapping key party positions across different states. Mohammed suggested that positions in Gombe should be moved to Bauchi, those in Borno to Yobe, and the roles in Adamawa to Taraba, and vice versa.
“It is time to change the narrative and bring unity. A shift in positions could go a long way in healing wounds and creating a stronger PDP in the North-East,” Mohammed explained. His proposal was seen as an attempt to foster a spirit of cooperation and redistribute power more equitably across the region, which has been plagued by factional struggles and infighting in the past.
However, despite these efforts, it was clear that the tension in the party remains palpable. While some members appeared committed to finding common ground, others were less convinced about the sincerity of these reconciliation initiatives. The question on many minds was whether the deep-rooted divisions within the party, particularly between national figures like Atiku and other regional leaders, could be effectively healed in time for the 2027 elections.
The Role of the Reconciliation Committee
The PDP Reconciliation Committee, led by Oyinlola, played a pivotal role in the meeting, with Oyinlola reiterating the party’s commitment to resolving its internal conflicts. He stated, “Our mission is to reach out to aggrieved members and mend broken relationships within the party. If we succeed in setting aside differences, PDP will reclaim power in 2027.”
The former National Secretary emphasized that the committee’s intervention was not only timely but necessary to ensure that the party could effectively challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the upcoming elections. Oyinlola added, “A united PDP will be the strongest contender in 2027, and this is why we are determined to make peace within the party.”
Adamawa’s Governor Fintiri also voiced support for the reconciliation efforts, calling them crucial for the party’s revival. “It is only through collective efforts that we can regain leadership. We need all hands on deck, and we must work together if we want to challenge the APC successfully,” he urged the party members. His remarks highlighted the urgency of addressing internal strife, which many believe undermines the PDP’s chances in future elections.
Atiku’s Absence: What Does it Mean?
The question of Atiku Abubakar’s absence looms large. As a key figure in the PDP, his presence or absence carries significant weight. Atiku, who has long been viewed as a potential presidential candidate for the party in 2027, has maintained a somewhat distant relationship with certain factions within the party, including some of the leaders from the North-East.
While the former Vice President’s absence could be interpreted as a subtle signal of his dissatisfaction with the current state of the party, some insiders believe it may also be a strategic move. “Atiku has always been a man of his own. His non-attendance at this meeting could mean he’s waiting for the right moment to make his own move, especially as the 2027 elections approach,” one party insider said.
Atiku’s absence was even more striking given that other prominent members of the party, including former governors and senators, made sure to attend or send representatives. His failure to engage in the reconciliation talks is fueling speculation about whether he might be positioning himself for a separate political strategy, should the PDP’s internal struggles continue.
Looking Ahead: The Road to 2027
Despite the uncertainty surrounding Atiku’s position, there remains a glimmer of hope among PDP leaders that the party can unite and become a formidable force in 2027. With key governors from the region making concerted efforts to heal divisions and an organized Reconciliation Committee working to mend broken relationships, there is optimism that the PDP could put aside its differences and regain its competitive edge in the coming years.
However, the party’s success will depend on more than just internal peace. It will require an ability to galvanize a fractured electorate, challenge the growing influence of the APC, and present a unified front that can appeal to Nigerians across the political spectrum. Whether Atiku’s absence will play a critical role in hindering or helping this effort remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the PDP’s quest for unity is far from over.
