2027: Makarfi, Lamido move to heal rifts in Kaduna PDP

Former Kaduna State governor, Ahmed Makarfi, and his Jigawa State counterpart, Sule Lamido, on Tuesday held a closed-door meeting aimed at reconciling aggrieved members and restoring unity within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), particularly in Kaduna State.

The meeting, which took place at Makarfi’s residence, was part of broader consultations by senior party leaders to reposition the PDP ahead of the 2027 general elections.

After the engagement, both leaders briefed journalists, stressing the need for introspection, reconciliation and collective responsibility within the party.

Makarfi, former National Caretaker Chairman of the PDP, said the meeting was consistent with long-standing efforts to stabilise and strengthen the party. He urged party members to set aside anger and personal grievances in the interest of unity.

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“This is not the time to be angry. It is a time for reflection and clear thinking so that we can guide the party out of its present challenges,” Makarfi said.

He described politics as a constantly evolving process and called on party leaders to continuously review national developments and act in ways that advance democracy, national interest and the growth of the PDP.

According to him, the decision to address journalists was to clarify the purpose of ongoing engagements among senior party figures and to signal the need for wider consultations.

In his remarks, Lamido said discussions between him and Makarfi on the state of the nation and the PDP had been ongoing for some time. While admitting that the party is facing internal and external challenges, he insisted that commitment to democracy, the country and the PDP must override personal differences.

He identified insecurity, economic hardship, corruption and the weakening of multi-party democracy as key national issues that require a strong and united opposition party.

“It is not about ego or pride. It is about sacrifice for the nation. We must place the party and the country above personal interests,” Lamido said.