A growing surge of tension is mounting within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as the party gears up for its upcoming National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting scheduled for September. The party recently established two significant committees, namely the National Reconciliation and Disciplinary Committees, in an endeavor to reposition itself ahead of the 2027 general elections. PDP governors also held their monthly meeting in Jalingo, Taraba State, where they made far-reaching decisions.
During the inauguration of the two committees in Abuja last week, Acting National Chairman Ambassador Umar Damagum attributed the attacks against him to the impending NEC meeting. At the previous NEC meeting held in May, a resolution was made to discuss a leadership change at the subsequent gathering.
Stakeholders from the North Central region of the country have been insisting on being given the opportunity to fill the national chairmanship position, which has remained vacant since March 2023 when Dr. Iyorchia Ayu was suspended by his ward. The current acting National Chairman, Damagum, hails from the North East.
Former National Publicity Secretary Kola Ologbondiyan emphasized that there is no turning back on the demand for the North Central zone to fill the national chairmanship position. He expressed that the party’s constitution must be upheld, stating that it stipulates that the zone where the vacancy occurs should be allowed to fill such a position.
Leadership change, the recently concluded congresses in 26 states, and the task of reconciling aggrieved members are likely to dominate discussions at the upcoming NEC meeting. Although Damagum boasted about the successful conduct of the congresses, several of them are still pending in courts for adjudication.
PDP governors, following their meeting in Jalingo, expressed concern over political impasses resulting from the congresses, as court judgments were used to decide the outcomes. Earlier, the governors had resolved in Enugu that Governor Siminalayi Fubara should take charge of the party structure in Rivers State. However, Damagum disregarded this resolution and allocated the congress materials to Governor Nyesom Wike, which left the governors visibly angry.
In a communiqué released after their meeting, the PDP governors promised to engage with the National Working Committee (NWC) in the party to rectify the irregularities and allow Governor Fubara to assume his rightful leadership position in the state. Of the 26 states where congresses were held, about 10 states are currently embroiled in court battles to resolve the impasse.
There appears to be a realignment of factions within the party following the previous NEC meeting, which is expected to play out during the upcoming meeting. Both the Board of Trustees (BoT) and the governors have openly declared their support for Fubara, contradicting the position held before. This has caused unease within the camp of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, who has been backing Damagum’s continued stay as acting national chairman.
Wike publicly expressed his annoyance during a live television press conference, where he criticized the BoT Chairman, Senator Adolphus Wabara, and the PDP National Legal Adviser, Kamaldeen Ajibade (SAN), for aligning themselves with Governor Fubara. It also appears that there is division within the PDP National Working Committee (NWC).
The trio of Damagum, National Secretary Senator Samuel Anyanwu, and National Organizing Secretary Umar Bature appear to be aligned with the wishes of Wike, while Ajibade, National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba, and National Financial Secretary Daniel Woyegikuro belong to a separate faction. The latter three officials did not attend the inauguration of the two committees, which necessitated the engagement of a private lawyer instead of Ajibade to administer the oath of office to committee members.
Given these circumstances, the next NEC meeting is expected to witness intense horse-trading and heated debates. Some party members believe that the PDP needs a unifying figure who can bring all members together. However, others argue that the party’s Board of Trustees must have the courage to speak the truth and apologize when necessary, or risk perpetuating factionalism.
Reconciliation of aggrieved members is seen as a crucial step for the party. Instead of reopening old wounds, the PDP should strategically attract and engage influential members. The focus should be on stopping any further divisions within the party and adhering to its constitution. A member of the reconciliation committee expressed doubts about the effectiveness of the committee, as it primarily involves persuading party members to cooperate and risking losing them if they refuse.
It is evident that the PDP is currently facing a leadership vacuum that necessitates strict adherence to the party’s constitution. The constitution should be the guiding principle, prioritizing the party’s unity over the emotions and personal interests of a particular group. With these dynamics at play, the upcoming NEC meeting will be critical for the future of the PDP.