Leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party are reconsidering the reconciliation framework earlier proposed by former Senate President Bukola Saraki as efforts intensify to end the internal crisis threatening the party’s cohesion.
Party sources told DAILY GAZETTE that the renewed interest in the Saraki approach followed the Independent National Electoral Commission’s refusal to recognise the Tanimu Turaki-led National Working Committee.
INEC, in a letter dated December 22 and addressed to the party’s legal representatives, said it could not acknowledge the Turaki-led NWC because the matter is still before the courts.
The electoral body explained that it would not take any administrative action that could prejudice the outcome of the ongoing legal proceedings.
The Turaki-led NWC enjoys the backing of Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed.
It emerged from the controversial national convention held in Ibadan in November, which was preceded by conflicting court orders.
While some Federal High Courts in Abuja restrained the party from holding the convention, an Oyo State High Court cleared it and directed INEC to monitor the process.
A rival faction, opposed to the Ibadan convention and led by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, later announced a parallel NWC, Board of Trustees and National Executive Committee.
Both factions have since announced expulsions of key figures, further widening the rift within the party.
INEC recently convened a meeting involving the two factions in a bid to resolve the crisis, particularly as preparations commence for the 2026 FCT area council elections.
Against this background, party leaders are said to be increasingly uncomfortable with allowing the courts alone to determine the outcome of the dispute, fearing that judicial rulings could deepen divisions by producing clear winners and losers.
A senior party source said the leadership is leaning towards reviving the Saraki reconciliation model, which emphasises dialogue and internal resolution rather than prolonged litigation.
According to the source, Saraki and other party elders have already begun quiet engagements aimed at restoring unity.
Saraki, who previously chaired the party’s reconciliation committee, had warned against excessive reliance on court processes, cautioning that prolonged legal battles could stall the party’s progress and weaken its chances ahead of future elections.
He had also advocated an inclusive national convention to address lingering disputes and reposition the party.
On the prospects for reconciliation, the Turaki-led faction said it remains open to dialogue but insisted that all parties must recognise the legality of the Ibadan convention.
The Wike-led faction, however, maintained that any reconciliation effort must begin with an acknowledgment that the Ibadan convention was flawed.
Political analyst Professor Abubakar Kari of the University of Abuja described the renewed reconciliation push as late but still viable, provided both sides are willing to compromise.
He warned that the prolonged crisis has already cost the party valuable time and momentum, especially with the approach of key political activities in 2026.
However, he noted that political fortunes can change rapidly and that the PDP could still recover if it resolves its internal disputes and presents a strong electoral platform.
