PDP Crisis: Makarfi, Lamido Hold Peace Talks Ahead Of 2027

Former Governors Ahmed Makarfi of Kaduna State and Sule Lamido of Jigawa State on Tuesday held a closed-door meeting at Makarfi’s residence in Kaduna, where they explored ways to foster reconciliation and unity within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The two senior party figures later briefed journalists, describing their engagement as part of ongoing consultations aimed at repositioning the opposition party for future electoral contests.

Makarfi, a former National Caretaker Chairman and Secretary of the PDP Board of Trustees, said the meeting aligned with sustained efforts by party leaders to stabilise and strengthen the PDP.

According to him, the party’s current situation requires sober reflection, forgiveness, and renewed commitment from members.

“This is not the time to be angry. It is time to put on our thinking caps and ensure that we come out of the situation the party is in,” he said.

He explained that the discussions were not centred on personal ambitions but on the collective interest of the party and members aspiring to contest elective positions in 2027.

Makarfi added that politics remained dynamic, stressing the need for party leaders to constantly evaluate developments in the country and take decisions that would benefit democracy, Nigeria, and the PDP.

He said addressing the media after the meeting was necessary to clarify the essence of the engagement and to signal the need for broader consultations across party structures.

In his remarks, Lamido said he and Makarfi had maintained a long-standing tradition of comparing notes on national issues and the fortunes of the PDP.

He acknowledged that the party, like any human institution, faced internal challenges, but insisted that loyalty to democracy, the nation, and the PDP must override personal grievances.

Lamido expressed concern over the state of the country, pointing to insecurity, economic hardship, corruption, and the health of Nigeria’s multi-party democracy as issues that demand a stronger and more united PDP.

He said ongoing discussions among party leaders were focused on resolving disputes, including litigations, and building a united political front.

“It is not about ego or pride. It is about national sacrifice. We must put the party and the country first,” Lamido said.

Both leaders pledged to continue engaging other stakeholders within the PDP to promote reconciliation, rebuild trust among members, and strengthen internal cohesion.

They expressed optimism that sustained dialogue would help the party overcome its challenges and present a united platform capable of offering credible political leadership for Nigeria in the years ahead.