The Board of Trustees of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has announced that it will schedule a meeting with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, to end the ongoing crisis within the opposition party.
Henzodaily reports that PDP BoT Chairman, Senator Adolphus Wabara, announced during an emergency meeting held in Abuja on Thursday that the meeting with the former Governor of Rivers State will be in January 2025.
Also, the Wabara-led BoT disapproved of the National Working Committee (NWC), led by Umar Damagum, for its repeated delays in convening the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting.
It is worth noting that since taking on the role of acting National Chairman after the court’s removal of Senator Iyorchia Ayu, Damagum has encountered mounting criticism from party leaders, with increasing demands for his resignation amid the continuing turmoil within the PDP.
At the 98th NEC meeting on April 18, party leaders sanctioned the establishment of a reconciliation and disciplinary committee, the organization of Ward and State Congresses, and assigned the North Central Caucus the task of consulting on the replacement of the acting National Chairman with a permanent successor.
The 98th NEC also scheduled the 99th NEC meeting for August 15, which was initially postponed to October 24, 2024, then rescheduled to November 28, 2024, and is now indefinitely delayed.
Consequently, the PDP Governors Forum, under the leadership of Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, has instructed the NWC to ensure the NEC convenes by February at the latest.
In light of these developments, Wabara voiced his concern that such delays undermine the trust and confidence of PDP members.
He stated, “Today, we convene under challenging self-inflicted circumstances, compelled by our collective concern for the current state of our great party. As custodians of the Peoples Democratic Party’s conscience and legacy, it is our responsibility to uphold the integrity of this institution and ensure that it continues to serve as a beacon of hope for our democracy and good governance for our dear nation.
“It is with a deep sense of disappointment that I must express the Board’s dismay at the continued shifting by the National Working Committee (NWC) in convening a National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting. This delay not only undermines the trust and confidence of our members.
“We recognize that challenges may arise during governance and administration, but adherence to timelines and commitments is non-negotiable. Inasmuch as the Board of Trustees serves as the conscience of the party, we expect that the NWC would honour its word and convene the NEC meeting as scheduled. This is critical for resolving pressing issues and charting a clear path forward for the party.”
Wabara highlighted that the power of the PDP is rooted in its unity and dedication to democratic values, pointing out that the NEC serves as a crucial forum for decision-making, consultation, and cooperation among all tiers of the party’s leadership.
The former President of the Senate added, “Prolonged delays may worsen current issues and create unwarranted divisions within our ranks. As the BoT, we will persist in our commitment to uphold accountability and compliance with the party’s constitution.
“We urge the NWC to rise to the occasion, demonstrating leadership and responsibility by making sure that the time fixed next year February, to convene the NEC meeting is adhered to.
“On the national front, the harsh economic policies of the Tinubu Administration have exacerbated the suffering of Nigerians.
“The skyrocketing cost of living, coupled with poorly implemented economic reforms, has pushed millions into deeper poverty. The promises of economic relief have proven hollow, leaving families struggling to make ends meet.
“Our party must rise to this occasion by offering credible alternatives and amplifying the voices of the suffering masses. Let us reaffirm our commitment to the values of fairness, equity, and prosperity for all Nigerians.”
We Will Not Allow Personal Ambition To Overshadow Our Shared Vision
Wabara further declared that the party stakeholders will not allow individual interests and differences to overshadow the party’s shared vision for a better Nigeria.
He pointed out that internally, the PDP must organize itself, stressing that the party’s strength comes from its collective determination, not individual ambitions.
He stated, “We cannot afford to let personal ambitions or differences overshadow our shared vision for a better Nigeria.
“Our governors are the bedrock of the PDP’s successes across states, and their synergy is vital for our collective progress. Let us prioritize dialogue, collaboration, and a sense of shared responsibility as we navigate these trying times.
“The BoT will be relentless in seeking peace and unity in our party as the conscience of PDP. To this end, the BoT will begin again to search for peace in the new year, starting with former Governor Nyesom Wike, who the BoT had promised to visit again to seek lasting peace.”