Amid escalating internal tensions within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), governors affiliated with the party are scheduled to gather in Jos, Plateau State, on Saturday to deliberate on pressing internal issues and the nation’s current political landscape. This high-stakes meeting aims to lay the groundwork for the 99th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, planned for November 28. Senior party members, including acting National Chairman Umar Damagum, National Secretary Sam Anyanwu, and National Legal Adviser Kamaldeen Ajibade (SAN), are expected to join the discussions.
The 98th NEC meeting, held in April, addressed vital restructuring measures, including forming a reconciliation and disciplinary committee and organizing ward and state congresses. Additionally, the North Central caucus was tasked with making consultations for the national chairmanship position. Following multiple postponements, the much-anticipated 99th NEC meeting is now set to address unresolved disputes and review the party’s current standing after challenging losses in the Edo and Ondo governorship elections, where the PDP conceded ground to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Ongoing Leadership Disputes and Calls for Restructuring
The PDP’s internal rifts intensified following its defeat in the 2023 general election, spurring demands for a leadership overhaul. Some members, including governors, are pressing for Damagum’s resignation to allow new leadership to steer the party back to relevance. However, another faction, loyal to Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike, supports Damagum’s completion of the former Chairman Iyorchia Ayu’s term.
A source close to the PDP governors revealed that the upcoming meeting in Jos would likely shape the agenda and tone of the November NEC session. “Although the NEC is set for November 28, the governors will determine whether it proceeds as planned,” the source explained. This meeting aims to unify the governors on a strategic path forward, with critical discussions expected on off-cycle elections in states like Edo and Ondo, which saw PDP losses, and on the party’s stance regarding national issues impacting its base.
Strengthening Unity Amid Perceived Crises
At a recent meeting in Abuja, PDP’s NWC engaged with party chairpersons from across Nigeria to address unity and strategy, emphasizing that reported internal conflicts were “cosmetic” rather than deep-rooted. Imo State PDP Chairman Austin Nwachukwu, who chairs the Forum of State Chairmen, dismissed rumors of internal strife, affirming that the PDP is poised for renewed strength. “What some describe as a crisis is merely superficial. The party remains intact and focused on the tasks ahead,” Nwachukwu said.
Nwachukwu also addressed concerns regarding Damagum’s leadership and the recent gubernatorial losses, attributing setbacks partly to alleged electoral misconduct by the ruling party. He reassured that the party’s structure is resilient, emphasizing the NWC’s commitment to enhancing familiarity among state chairpersons and coordinating the upcoming zonal congresses. Acting Chairman Damagum further clarified that this session with the chairpersons was a routine meeting to strengthen internal communication, not a precursor to the NEC.
Senate Caucus Reinforces PDP’s Strategic Vision Beyond Leadership Figures
The PDP Senate caucus, led by Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro (PDP, Benue South), underscored that the party’s identity transcends any single leader, stressing a focus on structural resilience and electoral preparedness. After a two-hour closed-door meeting, Moro affirmed the caucus’s dedication to positioning the PDP as a formidable opposition. “The PDP is not about Damagum or Wike alone; it is about the collective strength of our members working to restore the party to its winning ways,” Moro stated.
Reflecting on the recent electoral losses, Moro expressed the caucus’s commitment to analyzing failures and applying lessons for future success, particularly in regions where PDP holds significant influence, such as Osun State. He criticized the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), calling for critical reforms to ensure electoral integrity. Moro dismissed Wike’s alignment with APC interests as inconsequential to the PDP’s core mission, equating it with strategic political moves seen in the U.S. and pledging the party’s focus on reclaiming lost mandates and restoring democratic principles in key states.
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