The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) board has announced that it has scheduled a meeting with Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike in a bid to end the ongoing crisis within the opposition party.
Naija News reports that the PDP BoT Chairman, Senator Adolphus Wabara, announced during an emergency meeting held in Abuja on Thursday that the meeting with the former Rivers State governor will be in January 2025.
The central bank, led by Wabara, also disapproved of the repeated delays by the National Working Committee (NWC), led by Umar Damagum, in convening the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting.
Damagum has faced growing criticism from the party leadership since assuming the role of acting national chairman after the court removed Senator Iyorukia Ayu, and his resignation comes amid continued turmoil within the PDP. It is worth noting that the demand for this is increasing.
At the 98th NEC meeting on April 18, party leaders approved the establishment of the Reconciliation and Disciplinary Committee, the organization of district and provincial assemblies, and appointed the acting national chairman to the North Central caucus as the permanent chairman. assigned the task of discussing the replacement of successor.
The 98th NEC also announced that the 99th NEC meeting was scheduled for August 15, but was originally postponed to October 24, 2024, then rescheduled to November 28, 2024, and now It has been postponed indefinitely.
As a result, the PDP Governors Forum, under the leadership of Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, directed the NWC to ensure the convening of the NEC by February at the latest.
In light of these developments, Mr. Wabara expressed concern that such delays would undermine the confidence of PDP members.
“We meet today under difficult circumstances of our own making, compelled by our shared concern for the state of our great party. As custodians of the conscience and legacy of the People’s Democratic Party, It is our responsibility to maintain the health of this institution and ensure that it remains a beacon of hope for our democracy and the good governance of our beloved people.
“I must express the Board’s disappointment with deep disappointment at the continued change of direction of the National Working Committee (NWC) in convening National Executive Committee (NEC) meetings. Not only does it undermine the trust of members;
“While we recognize that challenges may arise during governance and management, adhering to schedules and commitments is non-negotiable.As long as the board acts as the conscience of the party, we We hope that the NWC will honor its words and convene the NEC meeting as scheduled, which is critical to resolving pressing issues and charting a clear path forward for the party.”
Mr. Wahara stressed that the power of the PDP is rooted in its unity and dedication to democratic values, noting that the NEC serves as an important forum for decision-making, consultation and cooperation between all levels of the party leadership. He pointed out that it was working.
The former Senate president further added that “prolonged delays could further exacerbate current problems and create unwarranted divisions within our ranks. As BoT, we remain steadfast in our commitment to accountability and adherence to the party constitution.” I will keep that promise.
“We call on the NWC to show leadership and responsibility and rise to the occasion by ensuring that the set convening time for the NEC meeting in February next year is adhered to.
“On the national front, the Tinubu administration’s harsh economic policies are exacerbating the suffering of Nigerians.
“Rising costs of living and poorly implemented economic reforms are pushing millions of people deeper into poverty. Promises of economic relief have proven hollow, and families are struggling to make ends meet. are.
“Our party must overcome this by presenting a credible alternative and amplifying the voices of suffering masses. Let’s reaffirm our resolve.”
We will not allow personal ambition to overshadow our shared vision.
Wabara further declared that the party’s stakeholders will not allow personal interests and differences to overshadow the party’s common vision for a better Nigeria.
He noted that the PDP needed to organize itself within the party, stressing that the party’s strength comes from collective determination and not individual ambition.
He said: “We cannot allow our personal ambitions and differences to overshadow our common vision for a better Nigeria.
“Our governors are the bedrock of PDP’s success across the state and their synergy is essential to our collective progress. We look forward to dialogue, cooperation and shared responsibility as we navigate these testing times. Let’s prioritize.
“The BoT, as the conscience of the PDP, will relentlessly pursue peace and unity in our party. To this end, former Governor Nyesom Wike, who the central bank had promised to revisit in search of lasting peace, We will begin the search for peace again in the new year.”
