The Peoples Democratic Party Governors Forum and former governors have named former Senate President Bukola Saraki the head of a seven-member reconciliation committee.

The PDP-GF chairman, Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi, announced this while briefing journalists after the forum’s crucial meeting with former governors, on Sunday night in Abuja.

Mr Mohammed said that the seven-member committee was mandated to reconcile aggrieved members ahead of the PDP National Executive Committee meeting scheduled for May 27 and the forthcoming national convention in August.

“We discussed some of the issues relating to our party, some existential issues, of course that have been circulating in the media and among us, so that we will be able to navigate smoothly for the NEC scheduled to take place on May 27 and by August, we will have an early convention.

Answering questions on the recent defection of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta and others to the ruling All Progressives Congress, Mr Mohammed said the party was working to strengthen its structures and reclaim its states.

“Well, these are some of the manifestations in a democratic set-up like this that we have, and this is what is forcing us to come together. Rather than diminishing and weakening, it is making us stronger, and we will make sure at least those chapters where we have history, where we have structure, are not left alone.

“They will be able to produce governors of the PDP by the grace of God, because we will be providing the level playing field in the next convention that is coming up,” he said.

The committee members include Governors Dauda Lawal, Caleb Muftwang, Peter Mba, Seriake Dickson, Ibrahim Dankwambo, and Okezie Ikpeazu.

Others in attendance at the meeting held at the Bauchi Governor’s Lodge in Abuja were Enugu, Zamfara, Plateau, Taraba, Adamawa, Osun and Oyo governors. There were also FCT minister Nyesom Wike, the board of trustees secretary, and former governor of Kaduna, Ahmed Makarfi.

Also in attendance were Aminu Tambuwal, Sule Lamido, Samuel Ortom, Gabriel Suswam, Seriake Dickson, Sam Egwu, Liyel Imoke, Achike Udenwa, Olagunsoye Oyinlola, Adamu Muazu and Idris Wada.

(NAN)