The Board of Trustees of the Peoples Democratic Party has criticised the Umar Damagum-led National Working Committee for its repeated postponement of the National Executive Committee meeting.
Speaking at an emergency meeting of the BoT in Abuja on Thursday, the Chairman of the Board, Senator Adolphus Wabara, expressed the body’s dismay at the delays and revealed plans to engage in further peace-building efforts, including a meeting with former Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, scheduled for January.
Since assuming the position of acting National Chairman following Senator Iyorchia Ayu’s removal by the court, Ambassador Umar Damagum has faced growing criticism from party leaders. These critiques have intensified amidst the deepening internal crisis in the PDP, with some calling for his resignation.
At the party’s 98th NEC meeting on April 18, 2024, leaders approved several key initiatives, including the formation of a reconciliation and disciplinary committee, the conduct of Ward and State Congresses, and a mandate for the North Central Caucus to consult on selecting a permanent National Chairman.
However, subsequent efforts to convene the 99th NEC meeting have been repeatedly stalled. Originally scheduled for August 15, 2024, the meeting was first postponed to October 24, then to November 28, and is now indefinitely delayed.
In response to these postponements, the PDP Governors Forum, led by Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, has directed the NWC to ensure that the NEC meeting is convened no later than February 2025.
Senator Wabara raised concerns about the implications of the delays, stating, “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.”
Wabara continued, “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.”
He emphasised the importance of unity and adherence to democratic principles, noting that the NEC serves as a vital platform for decision-making and collaboration among party leadership. “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 stage, Wabara also addressed the impact of the Tinubu administration’s economic policies, which he described as worsening the plight 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,” he said.
Wabara stressed that the PDP must prioritise internal organisation, noting that the party’s strength lies in collective determination rather than individual ambitions. “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 prioritise 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.”
Former PDP National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan, commended the BoT’s intervention, describing it as both timely and commendable. In a statement issued on Thursday, he aligned himself with the BoT’s resolutions and their adherence to the demands of the North Central Zone.
“My reaction to the decision of the PDP’s BoT is that it is timely, patriotic, and 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,” Ologbondiyan stated.
