NEC delay: PDP BoT tackles NWC, to meet Wike January

In the midst of the crisis rocking the Peoples Democratic Party, the Board of Trustees has criticised the Umar Damagum-led National Working Committee for repeatedly postponing the National Executive Committee meeting.

The PDP BoT Chairman, Senator Adolphus Wabara, speaking at the forum’s emergency meeting in Abuja on Thursday, also revealed that the body would persist in its efforts to find peace by holding a meeting with former Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, in January.

Since assuming the role of acting National Chairman following Senator Iyorchia Ayu’s removal by the court, Damagum has faced increasing criticism from party leaders amid the ongoing PDP crisis, with growing calls for his resignation.

At the 98th NEC meeting on April 18, party leaders approved the formation of a reconciliation and disciplinary committee, the conduct of Ward and State Congresses, and tasked the North Central Caucus with consulting on the issue of replacing the acting National Chairman with a permanent one.

The 98th NEC also set August 15 for the 99th NEC meeting, which was initially postponed to October 24, 2024, then rescheduled to November 28, 2024, and is now indefinitely postponed.

As a result, the PDP Governors Forum, led by Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, has directed the NWC to convene the NEC by February at the latest.

In response, Wabara expressed concern that this delay erodes 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 in convening a National Executive Committee meeting. This delay not only undermines the trust and confidence of our members.

“We recognise that challenges may arise during governance and administration, but adherence to timelines and commitments is non-negotiable. Since 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 emphasised that the strength of the PDP lay in its unity and commitment to democratic principles, noting that the NEC was an essential platform for decision-making, consultation, and collaboration across all levels of the party’s leadership.

The former President of the Senate said, “Further delays could exacerbate existing challenges and sow unnecessary discord within our ranks. As the BoT, we will not relent in our efforts to ensure accountability and adherence to 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.”

Wabara pointed out that internally, the PDP must organize itself, stressing that the party’s strength comes from its collective determination, not individual ambitions.

PDP BoT Chairman 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 for 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.”

Reacting, the former National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan, praised the BoT’s intervention, calling it timely, patriotic, and commendable.

In a statement issued on Thursday, Ologbondiyan noted that the decision aligns with the request of the North Central Zone.

He stated “My reaction to the decision of the PDP’s BoT is that it is timely, patriotic, commendable

“The decision reached at the meeting of the BoT mandating the North Central geo-political zone of the party to nominate a replacement for Senator Iyorchia Ayu is timely, patriotic, and commendable.

“The decision is in consonance with the demand of the North Central Zone which has consistently agitated that the Acting National Chairman, Ambassador Umar Ilyasu Damagum, reverts to his elected position as Deputy National Chairman and allow the North Central to produce a successor.

“This bold and courageous decision of the BoT must be commended by the rank and file of the party.”