NDC Names Utomi to Lead Party Reconciliation Ahead of 2027 Race

Ahead of the 2027 general elections, the Nigeria Democratic Congress has created a national reconciliation committee to address internal party disputes. During Thursday's Abuja ceremony, party leadership designated Professor Pat Utomi to serve as chairman, with Buba Galadima assuming the co-chairman role.

At the inauguration event, Moses Cleopas, the NDC's national chairman, directed the panel to function according to principles of fairness, impartiality, and fidelity to the party's constitution. He called upon committee members to listen with patience, engage across constituencies, pursue sincere reconciliation, offer bold recommendations when warranted, and allow party interests and justice considerations to shape their work.

Former presidential aspirant Professor Utomi described his new role as both privileged and challenging. He underscored that the reconciliation initiative's success hinges on persuading party members to prioritize collective objectives over personal advancement—a shift that would prove consequential for Nigeria's political trajectory.

The committee's establishment came in response to grievances and litigation that emerged following the party's recent nationwide congresses, convention proceedings, and primary contests involving multiple aspirants and party stakeholders. Just 48 hours after these internal electoral processes concluded, the NDC formally announced the committee's composition.