PDP Postpones NEC Meeting to Focus on Ondo Governorship Election

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has postponed its much-anticipated National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, originally scheduled for Thursday, 24 October 2024, to 28 November 2024. The decision comes as the party intensifies its efforts to strategize and mobilize for the forthcoming Ondo State governorship election, which will take place on 16 November 2024.

The postponement was announced late on Tuesday following a consultative meeting held by the PDP Governors’ Forum at the Bauchi State Governor’s Lodge in Asokoro, Abuja. According to a communiqué issued after the meeting, the shift in the NEC meeting is intended to give the party the necessary focus and unity required to defeat the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State.

PDP Leadership Focuses on Unity Ahead of Ondo Polls

The consultative meeting, led by Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, brought together various organs of the party, including the PDP National Working Committee, the National Assembly caucus, and the Forum of former PDP governors. During the meeting, the party leadership emphasized the importance of unity as they gear up for the crucial Ondo election.

Governor Mohammed, who serves as chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum, stated that the postponement of the NEC meeting would allow the party to approach the Ondo election with a stronger, more cohesive front. He stressed the need for party members to avoid divisive rhetoric, which could undermine the party’s efforts to present itself as a united opposition force ahead of both the Ondo election and the 2027 general elections.

Legal Tensions within PDP Addressed

Amid internal tensions, the leadership of the PDP has shown strong support for the acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum. A faction loyal to Governor Mohammed had earlier sought a court order to prevent the PDP and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from cancelling the planned NEC meeting. This lawsuit, filed by Imam Auwal at a Zamfara High Court, also aimed to challenge an earlier injunction from the Abuja Federal High Court that barred the party from removing Damagum from office.

Despite the legal hurdles, Governor Mohammed publicly affirmed his support for Damagum’s leadership during the consultative meeting, calling for calm and unity within the party. This public declaration is seen as a significant step towards easing tensions between factions within the PDP’s National Working Committee (NWC), especially as the party gears up for the Ondo election.

Limited Governor Attendance Fuels Speculation

While the meeting marked a critical moment for the PDP, it was noted that only five of the party’s 13 governors were in attendance. Governors present included Bala Mohammed (Bauchi), Ademola Adeleke (Osun), Dauda Lawal (Zamfara), Siminalayi Fubara (Rivers), and Caleb Muftwang (Plateau). The low turnout has sparked speculation about ongoing divisions within the party.

However, the presence of these key governors signaled continued efforts to heal internal rifts, following the successful work of the Reconciliation Committee led by former governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola. The committee had worked tirelessly to resolve internal disputes within the party’s leadership, and this meeting was seen as a continuation of those peace-building efforts.

Peoples Democratic Party Prepares to Unseat APC in Ondo

As the PDP intensifies its campaign for the Ondo governorship election, Governor Mohammed reiterated the party’s determination to challenge the incumbent APC government. He emphasized that the PDP, with its vast experience since 1999, remains committed to offering Nigerians a viable alternative to the ruling party.

Mohammed’s call to resist any efforts to turn Nigeria into a one-party state was echoed by other party leaders, who expressed confidence that the Peoples Democratic Party could reclaim Ondo and strengthen its position ahead of the 2027 general elections. The party’s strategists are expected to focus on mobilizing grassroots support and presenting a united front to voters in Ondo State, aiming to capitalize on perceived weaknesses within the APC government.

With the new NEC meeting date set for November 28, the PDP hopes to consolidate its gains from the Ondo election and emerge as a stronger opposition force nationally. The postponement of the NEC meeting is seen as a tactical move to ensure the party remains focused on the immediate task at hand—securing victory in Ondo.