In anticipation of today’s (Thursday) National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, governors affiliated with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have issued a stern warning to party members, urging them to refrain from engaging in any unlawful activities.
The primary agenda of the NEC meeting is to address the issue of whether Umar Damagum, the acting National Chairman, should continue in his position or be replaced. Damagum assumed the role of acting National Chairman after Iyorchia Ayu, the PDP National Chairman (North), was suspended by a court in Benue State in March of last year, following a lawsuit filed by Terhide Utaan, a PDP member from the Igyorov ward in Gboko Local Government Area.
Earlier this week, 60 members of the House of Representatives called for the removal of Damagum and advocated for the appointment of a substantive chairman from the North Central region, the same region Ayu hails from. However, the House minority caucus, led by Kingsley Chinda, distanced itself from the group, dismissing it as an unrecognized entity within the parliament.
The PDP caucus meeting in the House of Representatives on Tuesday concluded in disarray, with lawmakers sharply divided between those supporting Damagum’s tenure and those opposing it.
In preparation for the NEC meeting, PDP governors convened at the Akwa Ibom State Asokoro’s Governor’s lodge in Abuja on Wednesday to discuss the prevailing developments within the party. Shortly after the meeting, Bala Mohammed, the Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum and Governor of Bauchi State, affirmed the forum’s commitment to upholding the party’s amended 2017 constitution.
Governor Bala Mohammed emphasized that the forum would take charge and prevent any attempts to factionalize the party by external forces. He stated, “This meeting is not convened to discuss a change in leadership. Our priority is to address all outstanding matters and move forward in accordance with the party’s constitution, including completing congresses within the stipulated timeframe.”
He further explained that decisions regarding leadership matters would ultimately be made by the NEC, comprising the PDP Governors’ Forum and other stakeholders, taking into account legal considerations due to ongoing litigation. Governor Mohammed stressed the governors’ commitment to party unity and their determination to address all issues to ensure optimal performance and success in the upcoming elections.
The meeting also reviewed recent developments within the party and urged the National Working Committee of the PDP to initiate the necessary procedures to conduct credible congresses in all states where the tenures of party officers have expired.
Meanwhile, a member of the NEC, speaking on the condition of anonymity, revealed that the central topic of discussion in the NEC meeting would revolve around whether Damagum should retain his position. The source mentioned that Damagum stands a strong chance of remaining in his position, as he enjoys the full support of the governors. The NEC is expected to approve the NWC’s decision to extend the tenure of state executives, who have been acting beyond their original tenure, by three months. Additionally, to address the demands from the North-Central zone for a chairman from their region, a person from Benue is set to be appointed as the Director General of the party’s governors’ forum, while a replacement from the North-Central zone will be named as the PDP Deputy Chairman (North).
The 98th NEC meeting’s agenda includes discussions on the National Chairman’s position, constitutional amendments, the 2023 review committee, reconciliation committee, disciplinary committee, state congresses, and various other topics.
Previously, the PDP National Working Committee (NWC) expressed confidence in Damagum’s leadership, acknowledging his efforts in stabilizing and revitalizing the PDP as Nigeria’s primary opposition party.
In a statement issued by the PDP NWC’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, the committee commended Damagum’s dedication and contributions to the party’s progress.
On another note, the North-Central zone of the party unanimously decided during their caucus meeting that the zone should produce the next national chairman. The decision was subsequently transmitted to the National Working Committee ahead of the NEC meeting.
In a related development, Iyorchia Ayu withdrew his lawsuit challenging his removal from the party, clearing the path for Gabriel Suswam, the former Benue State Governor, to assume the position of substantive party chairman. The lawsuit had been a hindrance to the PDP’s appointment of a substantive national chairman since 2023 when a high court in Makurdi restrained Ayu from parading himself as the party’s leader.
Meanwhile, a group of 60 lawmakers who opposed Damagum clarified that they do not endorse any specific candidate for the PDP chairmanship, including Gabriel Suswam or Philip Salawu, the former Kogi State Deputy Governor. The lawmakers expressed their commitment to advocating for the right courseand ensuring a transparent and fair process in the selection of the next national chairman.
As the NEC meeting commences today, all eyes are on the PDP as party members and stakeholders await the outcome of the deliberations. The decision regarding the National Chairman’s position will have significant implications for the party’s future direction and prospects in the upcoming elections.
