Reconciliation Committee: Utomi, Galadima Rally NDC Members for Unity Ahead of 2027

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has begun moves to resolve internal disagreements arising from its recent congresses, convention and primaries, with former presidential candidate, Prof Pat Utomi, and political activist, Buba Galadima, leading a reconciliation effort ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The party on Thursday inaugurated its National Reconciliation Committee in Abuja to engage aggrieved aspirants and stakeholders and restore confidence among members following the conclusion of its candidate selection processes.

The committee, chaired by Utomi with Galadima as co-chairman, was inaugurated barely 48 hours after the party announced its constitution, amid grievances and litigation linked to the recent primaries.

Speaking after the inauguration, Utomi expressed confidence that the committee could bring the aggrieved members together, arguing that long-standing political differences could be overcome when there was a common purpose.

He cited his decades-long friendship with Galadima as an example, saying their ability to remain close despite spending about 50 years in political engagement showed that other members of the party could also reconcile their differences.

Utomi described his appointment as both a privilege and a responsibility, saying the committee would work towards restoring unity while keeping the party focused on the country’s future.

He also linked the reconciliation exercise to the NDC’s broader political vision, particularly its emphasis on young Nigerians.

According to him, with Nigeria’s median age put at 19.5 years, the party must focus on building a future in which the country’s youthful population can compete globally.

He urged members to put their differences aside and concentrate on developing policies and programmes capable of addressing the needs of the younger generation.

Galadima, who acknowledged the difficulty of reconciling aggrieved members, expressed confidence that the committee would succeed because of the experience and longstanding relationships among its members.

He, however, criticised the existing political environment and the process of selecting candidates under the Electoral Act, arguing that the framework made it difficult for opposition parties to conduct primaries without rancour.

Galadima also accused the administration of President Bola Tinubu of protecting the ruling party and creating obstacles for opposition parties seeking to produce strong candidates.

He called on Nigerians to unite behind the opposition ahead of the 2027 elections, describing the reconciliation process as the beginning of the party’s journey towards electoral victory.

Inaugurating the committee, NDC National Chairman, Senator Moses Cleopas, said its mandate went beyond settling disputes between aspirants and the party.

He said the committee was expected to rebuild trust among members and ensure that the grievances generated by the primaries did not undermine the party’s structure ahead of the elections.

Cleopas acknowledged that candidate selection often produced disappointment among aspirants who failed to secure tickets, but urged members to resist attempts to exploit such grievances along religious or financial lines.

He charged the committee to restore the principles of justice, fairness, equity and inclusion that, according to him, guided the party from its inception.

The chairman also assured unsuccessful aspirants that the party valued their contributions and urged them to remain committed to its campaign despite the outcome of the primaries.

Cleopas said the NDC’s political project was driven by the national interest rather than the ambition of any individual.

He described Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso as symbols of hope for Nigerians but stressed that the party’s ultimate objective was to secure political power to serve the country.

The chairman urged party leaders, aspirants and supporters across the country, particularly state chairmen, to cooperate with the reconciliation committee to ensure that its assignment was successfully completed.

He directed the committee to submit a comprehensive report to the National Working Committee by August 22, although he indicated that the deadline could be extended until the end of the month.

The reconciliation initiative comes as the NDC intensifies preparations for the 2027 general elections, with the party seeking to resolve internal disputes, retain the support of unsuccessful aspirants and present a united political front ahead of the campaign season.