The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) reconciliation train rolled into Ibadan, Oyo State capital, yesterday, in continuation of the consultation on how to resolve the protracted crisis.

The chairman of the panel, former Senate President Bukola Saraki, held a meeting with Governor Seyi Makinde at the Government House, Agodi.

It was the second time the strategy committee met with the governor since Saraki, former governor of Kwara State, took up the assignment.

The main opposition party was thrown into confusion on Tuesday, following the resolution of some stakeholders that its 2027 presidential candidate should come from the South in the spirit of zoning.

Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike, who hosted the stakeholders, including members of ‘G5 governors’, formed ahead of the 2023 presidential election, emphasizing that peace can only reign in the party, if its constitutional provision on rotation is upheld.

The minister, who was PDP governor of Rivers between 2015 and 2023, also faulted how the National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, was shoved aside by the PDP governors.

Yesterday, the Bayelsa State chapter of the PDP hailed Wike and the G5 over the Abuja parley, noting that the resolutions are critical to the survival of the party.

Also, the chapter applauded Anyanwu’s affirmation as National Secretary by the stakeholders and their insistence on presidential zoning to the South.

Saraki on trouble shooting

Although details of the Ibadan meeting are unknown, sources said Saraki visited Makinde to seek his opinion on how to resolve the leadership crisis and prepare for the proposed convention

According to the source, “the party will hold its convention in Kano in August and the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting by end of this month. There is need to bring all the warring factions together under one umbrella.

“As we all know, Makinde is a major factor to be reckoned with in the party. Hence, the need to always carry him along. Even though we were not privy to their discussion since it was held privately, it might not be unconnected with the resolve of the Committee to end the crisis in the party.

Saraki, who confirmed the Ibadan meeting, wrote on his Facebook page: “Thank you, Your Excellency, Governor Seyi Makinde, for making time to meet with us today-even though it coincided with your wife’s birthday.

“Warm wishes to Her Excellency Mrs. Tamunominini Makinde.

“Following today’s meeting, we remain cautiously optimistic as we forge ahead to secure a common position among the leadership of our great party”