The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) navigated a turbulent period marked by internal strife and factionalism in the aftermath of the 2023 presidential election. This discord, which permeated all levels of the party, centered around the position of the National Secretary and the scheduling of the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting. The conflict escalated with conflicting directives and public pronouncements, creating a sense of uncertainty and instability within the party. The crux of the matter revolved around the reinstatement of Senator Samuel Anyanwu as National Secretary, a decision that divided the party leadership into opposing camps.
The initial trigger for the escalating tension was the party leadership’s communication with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) regarding the National Secretary position. This action further fueled the existing divisions within the party, leading to the formation of distinct factions vying for control. One faction, aligned with Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, advocated for the NEC meeting to proceed as scheduled, rejecting Anyanwu’s reinstatement. This group included Governors Peter Mbah (Enugu), Douye Diri (Bayelsa), Ademola Adeleke (Osun), and Dauda Lawal (Zamfara), along with eleven NWC members and other influential figures within the party.
Conversely, a faction led by former Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike championed Anyanwu’s return and sought a postponement of the NEC meeting. This faction comprised Governors Caleb Muftwang (Plateau), Kefas Agbu (Taraba), Adamu Fintiri (Adamawa), and Bala Mohammed (Bauchi), alongside Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum, National Organising Secretary Umar Bature, and National Legal Adviser Kamaldeen Ajibade. This power struggle played out publicly, with each faction holding separate meetings and issuing contradictory statements, further exacerbating the internal crisis. The conflicting schedules for meetings at the party headquarters, Wadata Plaza, heightened tensions and underscored the deep divisions within the PDP.
In an attempt to resolve the impasse, an emergency meeting was convened at the Bauchi State Governor’s Lodge in Abuja, attended by PDP governors, NWC members, Board of Trustees members, and several National Assembly members. This intervention by key stakeholders proved crucial in de-escalating the situation. The meeting resulted in a consensus to proceed with the 100th NEC meeting as originally planned. Following the meeting, the party leaders converged at Wadata Plaza for the NEC meeting. The outcome marked a significant turning point in the PDP’s internal struggles.
Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum addressed the press after the meeting, announcing the official reinstatement of Senator Samuel Anyanwu as the National Secretary. This decision effectively resolved the primary point of contention between the warring factions. Furthermore, Damagum revealed that the 101st NEC meeting was scheduled for July 23rd to finalize preparations for the upcoming national convention, signaling a move towards party unity and a focus on future endeavors. Damagum’s confident assertion that the PDP possessed robust internal mechanisms to resolve its crises underscored the party’s resilience and its commitment to internal democracy.
The successful resolution of the conflict over the National Secretary position and the scheduling of the NEC meeting signifies a crucial step towards restoring stability within the PDP. The party’s ability to overcome this internal challenge demonstrates its resilience and capacity for self-correction. By reaffirming Anyanwu’s position and setting a date for the next NEC meeting, the PDP has laid the groundwork for a more unified approach to future political engagements. The focus now shifts to the upcoming national convention, which will provide an opportunity for the party to consolidate its ranks and chart a course for future success. The events surrounding the 100th NEC meeting serve as a testament to the PDP’s internal democratic processes and its commitment to resolving internal conflicts through dialogue and consensus.
