Key stakeholders have increased pressure on the Acting National Chairman, Ambassador Umar Ilya Damagum, to ensure the timely convening of the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting scheduled for Thursday, October 24, 2024. As a result, tensions within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are increasing.
The party’s constitution requires NEC meetings to be held quarterly, but Damagum has yet to fulfill that responsibility amid the party’s internal crisis.
Many PDP members are frustrated with his reluctance to approve the upcoming NEC meeting, fearing that a postponement could violate the party’s constitutional obligations.
Although the meeting is included in the official calendar, party leaders and members have expressed concern that Damagum is being deliberately stalled.
Sources within the PDP said the acting chairman’s reluctance could be related to political maneuvering over the national chairmanship, which is expected to return to the North-Central region following the resignation of former chairman Dr. Illorcia Ayu. It suggests that there is.
According to party rules, the leadership position is to return to the North-Central region, but Damagum, who hails from the Northeast, reportedly has no intention of resigning.
The issue has caused division among PDP governors, with some favoring Damagum’s continued leadership, while others support Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike’s leadership. Other governors believed that only the national convention should determine the party’s leadership.
The situation is further complicated by Wike’s faction reportedly pushing for far-reaching party reforms, including resolving the leadership issue.
The National Working Committee (NWC) is also divided over whether the NEC meeting should proceed, reflecting a broader leadership crisis in which factions have issued suspensions and counter-suspension orders in recent weeks. .
Some NWC members argue that an NEC meeting should be forced to restore order within the party.
An anonymous NWC member told the Nigerian Tribune that Damagumu had no choice but to convene the NEC meeting.
He said: “Mr. Damagum is afraid to convene the NEC even if it is on schedule. But it must be done. The only way to resolve this is for the NEC to meet. The chairmanship is held by North. It belongs to Central.”
The official added: “If the right thing is done and the North Central Party gains its rightful position, it will come back even stronger.” Nigerians are also paying attention. ”
It remains unclear whether the NEC meeting will proceed as planned, but it is hoped that the party will adhere to the official schedule.
Dissatisfaction within the PDP is growing, especially following recent attempts to shut down Damagum.
This suspension caused a huge backlash among party members and further highlighted the discord within the party.
“The uproar after the suspension was obvious. People want Damagum out,” said an NWC member. “The NEC meeting is scheduled and should take place.”
Attempts to reach the PDP National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Debo Ologunagba, for comment were unsuccessful.
