The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has inaugurated a National Reconciliation Committee to address grievances arising from its recent party primaries, as part of efforts to strengthen internal unity ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking at the inauguration in Abuja, the National Chairman of the party, Senator Cleopas Moses, said the committee was established to engage aggrieved aspirants and party stakeholders across the country with a view to resolving disputes and fostering reconciliation.
According to him, disagreements are a natural part of every democratic process, but the responsibility of party leadership is to ensure that such differences do not undermine the collective objective of building a stronger political platform.
Moses noted that the NDC has experienced unprecedented interest from politicians across the country, particularly following the defection of former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi and former Kano State Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso to the party. The influx of members, he said, resulted in intense competition during the primaries.
He urged party members to place the national interest above personal ambitions, stressing that the task of providing Nigerians with an alternative to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) should remain the party’s overriding priority.
Chairman of the National Reconciliation Committee, Prof. Pat Utomi, appealed to all aggrieved aspirants and their supporters to embrace dialogue and reconciliation, emphasizing that no political party can succeed without unity and mutual trust.
Utomi said the committee would embark on consultations across the country to listen to complaints, resolve disputes fairly, and ensure that every member feels valued in the party. He urged members to see the reconciliation process as an opportunity to strengthen the NDC ahead of the 2027 elections.
Co-Chairman of the committee, Buba Galadima, also called on party members to put the outcome of the primaries behind them and work together for the party’s success.
Galadima said political contests naturally produce winners and losers, but warned that allowing personal disappointments to divide the party would only weaken its chances in the 2027 elections. He assured members that the committee would be impartial in handling all petitions and would ensure that every aggrieved aspirant is given a fair hearing.
He added that reconciliation requires sacrifice, patience and a willingness to forgive, urging party faithful to remain committed to the ideals of the NDC and its vision of providing credible leadership for Nigeria.
Other members of the committee include Mohammed Sanni Takori (Vice Chairman), Babatunde Alli (Secretary), Mrs. Dudu Mamman Manuga, Hon. Salvador Adegoke Moshood and Alhaji Haruna Pai.
The party also announced the establishment of three zonal sub-committees covering the Northern, South-South and South-East geopolitical zones to facilitate the reconciliation process at the regional level.
The NDC said the reconciliation exercise is expected to strengthen party cohesion and position it for a united campaign ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Ubong Usoro for Nigeria Magazine
