Atiku, Wike missing at PDP’s select NWC Reconciliation meeting

Presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar, his running mate Ifeanyi Okowa, and aggrieved members of the Integrity group, led by former governor Nyesom Wike, were noticeably absent from a crucial meeting held at the party’s secretariat on Tuesday. The meeting was organized by a select committee of the National Working Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Umar Bature, the National Organising Secretary of the PDP, called for the meeting to alleviate tensions and initiate a reconciliation process within the party following the recent election. Bature emphasized the significant contributions made by the members of the party during the 2023 general elections and urged them to avoid pointing fingers at others.

He made it clear that the party would refrain from assigning blame, imposing suspensions or expulsions, or accusing anyone of engaging in activities that were either pro- or anti-party during the last general elections. Bature also acknowledged that while the party believed Atiku Abubakar had won the election, they were currently pursuing legal recourse and would await the court’s decision.

Addressing the attendees, Umar Damagun, the Acting National Chairman of the PDP, explained that the meeting was part of the National Working Committee’s ongoing consultations with key stakeholders to determine the party’s future course of action in the wake of the recent election.

Damagun further expressed the importance of reviewing the election’s outcome and exchanging ideas on how to fortify the party to confront upcoming challenges. He highlighted the previous meetings held with the National Ex Officio members, state Chairmen, select Board of Trustees, and National Assembly members, stating that the present meeting was a continuation of those discussions prompted by the outcomes and the necessity for further engagement.

It is worth noting that this is not the first instance of the PDP calling for reconciliation among its members following the 2023 general elections, which had revealed internal divisions within the party. In June, during a retreat in Bauchi, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State urged party stakeholders to set aside their differences and prioritize the unity of the party, emphasizing the need to commence the healing process promptly.