Fresh hope may be emerging within the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as indications suggest that Bala Mohammed, Governor of Bauchi State, has softened his stance and is now reportedly backing reconciliation efforts with allies of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
Members of a reconciliation committee drawn from the camps of PDP governors and loyalists of Wike are scheduled to meet today to harmonise conditions for resolving the party’s lingering internal crisis.
A senior party leader and National Publicity Secretary of the Tanimu Turaki-led National Working Committee, Ini Ememobong, confirmed the planned meeting in an interview, saying the panel would deliberate on key issues affecting the party’s stability.
According to him, the committee is expected to review proposals submitted by representatives of both factions and explore possible pathways to restore unity within the party.
Similarly, the National Secretary of the Wike-backed National Caretaker Committee, Samuel Anyanwu, expressed optimism that the PDP would soon overcome its internal disputes.
Sources close to Mohammed disclosed that the Bauchi governor, who had earlier resisted reconciliation efforts with Wike’s camp, has now shown willingness to support ongoing moves aimed at settling the dispute.
The source revealed that representatives from both sides, including legal advisers, had earlier held a preliminary meeting on Friday to identify critical issues requiring resolution.
During the meeting, it was agreed that members of the committee would return to their respective camps to consult with stakeholders and compile a list of concerns and conditions considered realistic and workable for the peace process.
Each representative is expected to present these conditions at Monday’s meeting, where the committee will attempt to harmonise the positions of both factions.
Another source familiar with the discussions said no final decision had yet been taken on whether the crisis would be resolved through a national convention or the establishment of an interim caretaker committee.
According to the source, while some stakeholders favour convening a national convention to elect a new leadership, others believe a caretaker committee should be constituted to temporarily manage the party’s affairs and stabilise the organisation.