The Board of Trustees (BoT) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has expressed dissatisfaction with the National Working Committee (NWC), led by Umar Damagum, over the repeated postponement of the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) meetings.
Speaking during an emergency meeting in Abuja on Thursday, BoT Chairman Senator Adolphus Wabara criticized the delays, describing them as damaging to the trust and confidence of party members. Wabara also announced plans to meet with former Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike in January 2025 as part of ongoing efforts to resolve the party’s internal crisis.
NWC Under Pressure
Damagum, who assumed the role of acting National Chairman after Senator Iyorchia Ayu’s removal, has faced mounting criticism from party leaders amid calls for his resignation. Despite the NEC approving key initiatives at its last meeting in April, including forming a reconciliation committee and holding ward and state congresses, subsequent NEC meetings have been postponed multiple times.
Initially scheduled for August 15, the 99th NEC meeting was deferred to October 24, then November 28, and has now been indefinitely delayed. Concerned by the inaction, the PDP Governors Forum, led by Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, has demanded the NEC meeting be held no later than February 2025.
BoT Calls for Accountability
Wabara emphasized the importance of adhering to party timelines and commitments, stating:
“The continued shifting of the NEC meeting undermines the trust and confidence of our members. The NEC is a critical platform for decision-making and collaboration, and further delays could deepen existing challenges within the party.”
He urged the NWC to prioritize leadership and responsibility by adhering to the February deadline, while reaffirming the BoT’s commitment to fostering accountability and adherence to the party’s constitution.
National Challenges and PDP’s Role
Turning to national issues, Wabara criticized the Tinubu administration’s economic policies, citing rising poverty and the high cost of living as evidence of poorly implemented reforms. He called on the PDP to position itself as a credible alternative, championing fairness, equity, and prosperity for all Nigerians.
“Our party must rise to the occasion by amplifying the voices of the suffering masses and offering solutions to the country’s economic woes,” he said.
Renewed Efforts for Internal Unity
Wabara underscored the need for internal cohesion within the PDP, urging leaders to prioritize dialogue and collaboration over personal ambitions. He acknowledged the critical role of PDP governors in ensuring the party’s success and emphasized the importance of synergy among party stakeholders.
To this end, Wabara reiterated the BoT’s commitment to fostering peace and unity, announcing plans to engage with Wike and other key figures in the new year.
“The BoT will be relentless in seeking peace as the conscience of the PDP. We will begin the new year with renewed efforts to unify the party, starting with our promised visit to former Governor Nyesom Wike,” he concluded.
This move is seen as a step toward resolving the longstanding divisions within the party and positioning the PDP for future electoral success.
