NDC Constitutes Reconciliation Committee, Names Pat Utomi Chairman

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has constituted a seven-member National Reconciliation Committee headed by renowned political economist, Prof. Pat Utomi, to resolve disputes arising from the party’s primaries ahead of forthcoming elections.

The committee is expected to engage aggrieved aspirants, party officials and other stakeholders across the country in a bid to strengthen internal cohesion and unify the party behind its candidates.

The decision was contained in a statement jointly signed by the National Chairman of the party, Senator Cleopas Moses Zuwoghe, and the National Secretary, Ikenna Morgan Enekweizu.

According to the statement, former National Secretary of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), Engr. Buba Galadima, will serve as co-chairman of the committee, while Barrister Mohammed Sani Takori is the vice chairman.

Other members are Comrade Babatunde Ali as secretary, Mrs. Dudu Mamman Manuga, Hon. Salvador Adegoke Moshood and Alhaji Haruna Pai.

The party said the committee would be inaugurated at its national secretariat in Abuja at 12 noon on Thursday, August 6.

In addition to the national committee, the NDC established three zonal reconciliation committees for the Northern, South-East and South-South geopolitical zones to complement the reconciliation process.

The Northern Sub-Committee is chaired by Mainasara Sani Abubakar, with Barrister Fatima Musa Abba serving as secretary. Other members are Comrade Solomon Ndah, Dr. Tanko Yusufu and Arc. Dr. Toma Audu Gana.

For the South-East, the committee is headed by Senator Victor Umeh, while Sir Patrick Akwara serves as secretary. Other members include Barrister Eze Chikamanyo, Dr. Patrick Ezie Chukwudi, Chief (Barr.) Isaac Chinaka Anumudu and Stefiny Amaka Eugene.

The South-South Sub-Committee has Senator Ben Birabi as chairman and Senator Clever M. Ikisikpo as secretary. Other members are Bishop Isaac Idahosa, Esther Archibong and Apostle David Stephen Okpon.

The party said the committees have been mandated to reconcile aggrieved members to ensure party cohesion and secure the support of all members for the party’s candidates at every level.

According to the terms of reference released by the party, the committees are also expected to meet and interact with stakeholders, aspirants, aggrieved members and party officials to resolve outstanding issues arising from the primaries.

The NDC said the reconciliation effort is aimed at strengthening internal unity and positioning the party for future electoral contests through dialogue and consensus-building.