The internal crisis rocking the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has escalated to the party’s Board of Trustees (BoT), where acting national chairman Umar Damagum and his allies are working to silence dissent within the party. There was a suspicion that there was.
Party officials who spoke to Panch on condition of anonymity said they plan to replace some members of the central bank who are critical of Damagum’s leadership. The development has sparked calls for his resignation amid continued tensions within the party.
Damagum, who assumed the role of acting national chairman following the court-ordered removal of Senator Iyorukia Ayu, has faced criticism from various factions of the PDP.
Key party leaders and officials have expressed dissatisfaction with his leadership style and called for reform.
At the 98th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in April, party leaders approved the establishment of a reconciliation and disciplinary committee.
They also ordered the North Central caucus to consult on the selection of a permanent national chairman.
However, subsequent NEC meetings, including those originally scheduled for August, October, and November, have been repeatedly postponed, and new dates have not yet been determined.
The PDP Governors Forum, led by Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, has now directed the National Working Committee (NWC) to convene an NEC meeting by February 2025 to address outstanding issues.
Former Senate president and central bank chairman Adolphus Wabara criticized the NWC for failing to resolve the party’s crisis.
He further accused the Damagum-led NWC of fomenting divisions within the party and stressed the need for unity and responsibility.
According to the report, former Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike, Governor Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Ahmadu Fintiri (Adamawa), Caleb Muthofan (Plateau), Agbu Kefas (Taraba) and others The Damagum faction, supported by its allies, has been shown to have infiltrated almost all PDP institutions. .
Party insiders claimed that the Damagum faction was using its influence to suppress dissent within the central bank and other key party structures.
He said: “They are taking over almost every organ of the party as we speak. You know who is behind it given how the NWC has been running for the past two years. I believe that the Imo State PDP chairman was recently appointed as the Chairman of the Chairman’s Forum and most of the NEC members are criticizing their move. The only organ that is true is the BoT.
“As we speak, they have already infiltrated the BoT as well. They are currently planning to replace some of the BoT members. to ensure that the BoT is dominated by their supporters so as not to criticize their leadership.”
In a related development, a senior NWC official confirmed to Punch that the NWC will meet on Thursday to address party issues.
A member of the NWC said, “The NWC will meet tomorrow Thursday to discuss party matters. We will also liaise with the Cross River State Chapter regarding the alleged suspension of the Chairman. To close out this year, we have some We plan to address the issue.”
In response, PDP National Youth Vice President, Mr. Timothy Osadore, said the timing of the NEC meeting has been finalized, confirming that an agreement had been reached to hold the NEC in February.
In an interview with Punch, Osador said today’s meeting will be a regular meeting to discuss party issues.
He said, “I understand the concerns of everyone who wants an NEC, but I think the NEC issue has been successfully resolved because we agreed to hold the NEC in February.” It is no longer possible to hold NEC on its main day in December. NEC requires a number of logistics, accommodation, transportation and security arrangements. Therefore, February is a very realistic date as proposed to NEC.
“Party members, leaders and party members seeking an NEC can rest assured that February has been resolved. The February NEC will not be affected in any way.”
Regarding the NWC meeting, he said: “There is no special agenda for tomorrow’s meeting. It is just a regular meeting of the NWC and is part of the party’s ongoing work. The only thing I can say is that in the midst of this difficult December, the NWC They should issue a statement expressing solidarity with Nigerians.
“We need to make a statement and appeal to the sensibilities of Nigerians, because how do Nigerians feel right now? Because we’ve seen what caused it. And this is what we are going through now. So be patient and keep talking to your employees. ”
