The focus of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is now on the next National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting scheduled for October 24th, with key players making decisive decisions regarding the party’s leadership and internal conflicts. Ready for a showdown.
The NEC meeting is expected to be a turning point in resolving the factional crisis plaguing the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) despite the intervention of the PDP Governors’ Forum (PDP-GF).
The NWC crisis that erupted last week saw the National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, and the National Legal Adviser, Kamaludeen Ajibade, suspended on charges of insubordination and dishonesty.
Acting national chairman Umaru Damagumu was suspended, but Ologunagba retaliated by announcing the suspension of Damagumu and national secretary Samuel Anyanwu, further escalating tensions within the party.
The PDP-GF, in coordination with the Board of Trustees (BoT), intervened on Monday and successfully brokered a temporary truce, revoking all suspensions and urging party leaders to return to the status quo.
The meeting was attended by Forum Chairman Mr. Bala Mohammed (Bauchi), Mr. Siminalai Hubara (Rivers), Mr. Douye Diri (Bayelsa), Mr. Godwin Obaseki (Ed) and Mr. Seyi Makinde (Oyo). Also present were Governors Ademola Adeleke, Dauda Lawal, Sheriff Obolewori, Ahmadu Fintiri, Caleb Muthofang and Peter Mbaha of Osun, Zamfara, Delta, Adamawa and Plateau States.
According to a communiqué from the meeting, Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed reiterated the need for unity within the NWC.
However, despite the intervention of the PDP-GF, party insiders are gearing up for the NEC meeting, which is likely to focus on unresolved issues such as deep disagreements over the political crisis in Rivers.
A party source, speaking on condition of anonymity, admitted that the NEC needs to address the legitimacy of the parliament to be held in Rivers State, which Damagum sanctioned despite the pending litigation.
He told Daily Sun, “The NWC under the Damagum administration recognized the assembly in Rivers State without worrying about the pending litigation.As you are aware, the results of all the meetings will be submitted to the NEC for ratification. I can say it’s not over yet.
“If they want to replace the NWC with a management committee, that’s fine. But some of us will argue with the NEC that the right thing was done.”
The NEC meeting also comes amid renewed calls for a major change in leadership.
Discussions continue about replacing the current NWC with an interim commission, a move that is likely to dominate the October 24 agenda.
Sources within the party say despite the governors’ attempts at reconciliation, factional tensions remain high as different groups vie for leadership in the run-up to 2027 elections.
Another member of the PDP NEC, Mr. Dylan Odeyemi, said following the intervention of the PDP Governors Forum on the crisis that has polarized the NWC, other issues would be resolved at the NEC meeting on October 24. said.
He told the Daily Sun: The very fact that the Governors Forum has fulfilled its responsibility to ensure peace within the party is an indication that peace will soon return to the PDP.
“That was the first thing they should have done. All other issues will be resolved with them. And of course, at the National Executive Committee meeting on October 24th, especially with all the gray areas, Many questions can be answered. For now, we need peace within the party. That is the extent of what the governor can do.”
Additionally, a recent Federal High Court ruling bars the NEC and BoT from replacing Damagum until December 2025, but influential party insiders say former Senate President David Mark will be appointed national chairman. reportedly asking them to do so.
Mr Mark is said to be under considerable pressure from party elders, the BoT and the Governors Forum to lead the PDP out of its current crisis.
