The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) faces uncertainty over its February National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting due to renewed internal conflicts within its National Working Committee (NWC).
Tensions surrounding the acting National Chairman, Ambassador Umar Damagum, and other leadership disputes have reignited divisions that have long plagued the party.
The NWC, tasked with convening NEC meetings, has been embroiled in crises, including the suspension of key figures such as Damagum and National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba. While interventions by PDP governors temporarily restored peace, fresh disagreements have emerged.
At a recent meeting in Jos, Plateau State, PDP governors, led by Governor Bala Mohammed, urged the NWC to schedule the NEC meeting for February 2025. Governor Mohammed emphasized the need for the party to resolve leadership and litigation issues during this period, stating, “The period between November and February should address the party’s existential problems, with a clear timeline to resolve leadership and litigation issues.”
The NEC meeting, originally slated for August 2024, has faced multiple postponements—first to November and then indefinitely—leading to mounting frustration within the party.
The latest crisis revolves around the role of the National Secretary. Acting Chairman Damagum and embattled National Secretary Senator Samuel Anyanwu have accused Ologunagba of exceeding his authority. In response, they appointed Deputy National Secretary Ibrahim Abdullahi as their spokesperson.
Addressing the media, Abdullahi referenced a court order limiting his functions without directives from Anyanwu. “As a law-abiding party, we are obligated to respect the court order,” he stated.
Ologunagba dismissed Abdullahi’s claims, asserting, “The National Publicity Secretary is the only authorized person to convey the party’s activities. The deputy publicity secretary is not a member of the NWC and cannot speak for the party.”
Despite the turmoil, PDP governors and some NEC members remain steadfast in their commitment to holding the February meeting. Timothy Osadolor, NEC member and Deputy Youth Leader, stressed, “February remains the date. The current issues are not enough to obstruct NEC. It is crucial that NEC holds, and it will.”
In a related development, Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike criticized PDP Board of Trustees (BoT) Chairman Adolphus Wabara for his handling of the leadership crisis.
During a media chat in Abuja, Wike accused Wabara of worsening tensions with Rivers State Governor Siminilayi Fubara, a former protégé. “If Wabara were my father, I would have disowned him,” Wike remarked, referencing allegations of corruption and poor leadership. He also emphasized the need for respect for court rulings and party processes.
As the PDP grapples with its internal divisions, the February NEC meeting is seen as a critical opportunity to address the party’s challenges and establish a path forward.