Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar was noticeably absent from the North East Zonal Caucus meeting of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) held in Bauchi State yesterday.
Atiku, who was the party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 general election, neither attended the meeting nor sent a representative or an apology for his absence.
The meeting was attended by key PDP stakeholders, including the three PDP governors from the North East—Bala Mohammed (Bauchi), Agbu Kefas (Taraba), and Ahmadu Fintiri (Adamawa).
Also in attendance were senators, members of the House of Representatives, and state assembly members from the region.
The meeting focused on reconciling differences within the party and strategizing ahead of the upcoming zonal and national conventions.
Acting PDP National Chairman, Umar Damagun, emphasized the need for unity, stating that individual interests could only be achieved through a strong and cohesive party.
He urged party leaders to put aside their differences for the greater good.
Bauchi State Governor and Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum, Bala Mohammed, reaffirmed the governors’ commitment to strengthening the party’s structure, expressing optimism about the party’s prospects.
Meanwhile, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory’s (FCT) Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication and New Media, Lere Olayinka, accused Atiku of leading a rebellion within the party.
He blamed Atiku’s political actions, dating back to 2014, for weakening the PDP and contributing to its inability to retain power at the federal level.
Speaking on Arise Television, Olayinka alleged that Atiku’s political maneuvering during his tenure as Vice President created internal crises that undermined PDP’s chances in key elections.
He cited Atiku’s reported opposition to PDP’s efforts to win Lagos State in 2003 and the strained relationship between him and then-President Olusegun Obasanjo as factors that deepened the party’s divisions.
The reconciliation committee, led by former PDP National Secretary Olagunsoye Oyinlola, reiterated the party’s determination to resolve internal conflicts and reposition itself as a formidable opposition ahead of the 2027 general elections.
