The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) finds itself navigating turbulent waters as internal disputes and postponed meetings fuel growing concerns among party members. The Board of Trustees (BoT), a key advisory body within the party, has taken a proactive stance, urging the National Working Committee (NWC), the party’s executive arm, to convene a meeting of the National Executive Committee (NEC) in February. The NEC, a crucial decision-making body within the PDP, is seen as the platform to address and resolve the escalating tensions and outstanding issues plaguing the party. This call for a February NEC meeting underscores the urgency felt by the BoT to restore stability and unity within the PDP’s ranks.
The call for a February NEC meeting comes amidst criticism directed at Umar Damagum, the acting National Chairman, whose leadership has been questioned by some party leaders since assuming the role following the court-ordered removal of Senator Iyorchia Ayu. The ongoing PDP crisis has amplified calls for Damagum’s resignation, further emphasizing the need for a NEC meeting to address the leadership vacuum and chart a clear path forward. The BoT’s insistence on a February meeting signals a desire to expedite the resolution of the leadership question and mitigate further internal discord.
Adding to the urgency is the repeated postponement of the 99th NEC meeting. Originally scheduled for August 15th, the meeting was subsequently rescheduled to October 24th, then November 28th, and is now indefinitely postponed. This pattern of delays has not only heightened anxieties within the party but also raised concerns about the NWC’s ability to effectively manage internal affairs. The PDP Governors Forum, a powerful bloc within the party, has echoed the BoT’s call, urging the NWC to ensure the NEC convenes no later than February. The convergence of these calls from influential bodies within the PDP underscores the widespread recognition of the need for a timely and decisive NEC meeting.
The persistent delays in convening the NEC meeting have eroded trust and confidence among PDP members, according to BoT Chairman, Adolphus Wabara. His concern highlights the potential damage to party cohesion caused by the perceived inaction of the NWC. Wabara has stressed that the February NEC meeting is crucial for open dialogue and resolution of pending issues, emphasizing its importance in rebuilding trust and restoring unity. He has further emphasized the BoT’s commitment to engaging with key stakeholders, including the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and members of the NWC, to foster peace and reconciliation within the party.
Beyond the immediate concerns regarding the NEC meeting, the PDP also faces internal disputes, including litigation surrounding the position of National Secretary. These legal challenges further complicate the party’s efforts to present a united front and effectively strategize for future elections. The BoT Chairman’s call for utilizing internal mechanisms to resolve these issues reflects a desire to avoid airing internal disagreements in public and minimize further damage to the party’s image. The successful resolution of these internal disputes is essential for the PDP to regain its footing and present a credible challenge in upcoming political contests.
Debo Ologunagba, the PDP National Publicity Secretary, has acknowledged the importance of convening the NEC meeting and has stated that the NWC is committed to holding it as soon as possible. This acknowledgement of the urgency of the situation suggests a willingness on the part of the NWC to address the concerns raised by the BoT and the Governors Forum. The inclusion of the NEC meeting on the agenda of the upcoming NWC meeting signals a potential step towards concrete action. However, the lack of a specific date for the NEC meeting continues to fuel uncertainty, and the party’s ability to effectively navigate its internal challenges and present a united front remains to be seen. The coming weeks will be crucial for the PDP as it grapples with these internal divisions and seeks to establish a clear direction for its future.
