•• Board of Trustees Calls for Urgent Gathering Amidst Leadership Challenges and Ongoing Crisis
By John Audu, Abuja.
The Board of Trustees (BoT) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has urged the National Working Committee (NWC) to convene a National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in February. This meeting is deemed crucial for party leaders to discuss and resolve pressing issues that have arisen amid the ongoing crisis within the party.
In an exclusive interview with Sunday PUNCH, PDP BoT Chairman Adolphus Wabara emphasized the critical need for the NEC meeting, stating that it would provide a platform for party leaders to address outstanding matters and restore confidence among party members. Since Umar Damagum assumed the role of acting National Chairman following the court-ordered removal of Senator Iyorchia Ayu, he has faced increasing criticism from various party factions, with calls for his resignation becoming more pronounced.
The last NEC meeting, held on April 18, brought forth significant resolutions, including the establishment of a reconciliation and disciplinary committee and the conduct of ward and state congresses. The North Central caucus was tasked with consulting on the appointment of a substantive National Chairman to replace Damagum.
Originally, the 99th NEC meeting was scheduled for August 15 but has faced multiple postponements, first to October 24, then to November 28, and ultimately has been indefinitely delayed. In light of these developments, the PDP Governors Forum, led by Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, has echoed the BoT’s call for the NWC to ensure the NEC meeting takes place by February at the latest.
Wabara previously expressed concern on December 5, 2024, about the detrimental impact of the delays on party cohesion and member confidence. He reiterated the urgency of the NEC meeting, stating, “The NEC meeting is important. That is why we have advised the NWC to convene the meeting in February. This will enable party leaders to discuss and resolve some of the pending issues.”
In addition to the NEC discussions, Wabara revealed plans for the BoT to meet with Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, in the coming weeks. This meeting aims to foster unity and peace within the party and the nation. Wabara noted, “We also intend to meet with others, including the NWC and other critical members of our party, to discuss various party and national issues.”
Responding to inquiries about the timing of the NEC meeting, PDP National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba confirmed that the NWC is responsible for convening the NEC as soon as possible. He assured that the upcoming NWC meeting will include the NEC meeting on its agenda, stating, “We have a responsibility to convene the NEC. The various organs of the party have emphasized that. We will ensure there is an NEC, and in that NEC, we will be able to discuss many issues, including the litigation over the PDP National Secretary.”
