PDP govs demand NEC meeting in February

The Peoples Democratic Party Governors’ Forum has called on the party’s National Working Committee to organise a meeting of the party’s National Executive Committee by the first week of February at the latest.

In a communique issued after its meeting in Jos, Plateau State capital, on Saturday, the PDP Governors Forum, chaired by Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, stated that the period from November to February would be dedicated to addressing the critical challenges facing the party.

Since PDP acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, assumed the role of acting National Chairman following Senator Iyorchia Ayu’s court removal, he has faced significant criticism from party leaders amid the ongoing crisis.

Many voices within the party are now calling for his resignation.

During the 98th NEC meeting on April 18, party leaders approved the formation of a reconciliation and disciplinary committee, as well as the conduct of Ward and State Congresses.

They also tasked the North Central Caucus with consulting on the issue of replacing the acting National Chairman with a permanent one.

The 99th NEC meeting, originally set for August 15, postponed to October 24, 2024, and then rescheduled for November 28, 2024, was indefinitely postponed.

In response, the Forum emphasised its commitment to maintaining the unity and cohesion of the party, which Nigerians have come to regard as the best platform for democratic governance.

The communique stated, “The Forum notes the concerns of Nigerians, PDP founding fathers, elders and members of our great Party of seeming divisions within the ranks and files. The Forum wishes to state categorically that it remains resolute in its determination to ensure unity and cohesion of this great Party that Nigerians have come to trust as the best platform for democratic governance.

“The Forum is constrained to accept the latest postponement of the National Executive Council of the Party in empathy with our colleague, H.E. Governor Eno Bassey, whose late dear wife will be buried on the same day earlier scheduled for NEC. Once again, the Forum wishes to commiserate with our colleague and pray that God will grant him and the family the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.

“The Forum is strongly advising the NWC to call NEC by the first week of February 2025 to allow for elaborate consultations with critical stakeholders of the party. The period between November and February is to address the existential problems confronting the Party, with a deliberate timeline of activities within the period under review to address issues of leadership and litigation confronting the party.”

The forum expressed sympathy for Nigerians suffering from the severe economic hardship allegedly imposed by the policies and decisions of the APC-led Federal Government.

It also urged President Bola Tinubu to promptly review both macroeconomic and fiscal policies to improve the welfare and well-being of Nigerians.