Makarfi, Sheriff meet as fresh reconciliation begins in PDP

Ahmed Makarfi, chairman of the caretaker committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and Ali Modu Sheriff, factional chairman of the party, met on Tuesday morning.

This was revealed at a joint press conference, which both factions held in Abuja on Tuesday.

Ben Obi, secretary of the party’s national caretaker committee, and Cairo Ojougboh, Sheriff’s deputy, represented the factions at the conference.

Cairo, who read the press statement, said Sheriff and Makarfi had held a holistic review and deliberation on the state of affairs of the PDP “without prejudice to all outstanding matters in court”.

He disclosed that in reviewing the crisis that had engulfed PDP since it lost the 2015 general election, it became obvious that there was need for unity.

“It has become obvious to both of us as principal actors that it is time to heal the wounds and bring about a united, focused and constructive opposition party — a party that can bring sanity to our democratic process, bring relief to the teeming supporters of our great party and to the benefit of our great country,” he said.

Obi also affirmed the resolve of both leaders to reunite the party.

“As we speak today, PDP is back as one. In due course, the two leaders will address the press on the development,” he said

The crisis started after the May 21 non-elective national convention of the party in Port Harcourt.

The national working committee led by Sheriff was dissolved, and a national caretaker committee was instituted.

Several reconciliation efforts had been made since then, but peace remained elusive.