Wike, Damagum’s Fate Hang In The Balance As PDP Holds NEC

Forum 4 weeks ago

Wike, Damagum’s Fate Hang In The Balance As PDP Holds NEC

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), will on April 18, 2024, hold a crucial National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting.

This assembly is poised to be a turning point, potentially reshaping the party’s future amid ongoing internal conflicts and political jockeying.

Since the contentious presidential primary in May 2022, won by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, the PDP has been ensnared in strife, notably with the former Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike and his faction, the G5 governors.

These internal disputes have been exacerbated since the primary, undermining attempts to unify the party.

The NEC meeting is anticipated to tackle several pressing issues that have hindered the party’s unity and effectiveness.

High on the agenda is the resolution of persistent internal discord, consideration of disciplinary measures for members engaged in anti-party activities, and deliberations on the leadership dynamics within the party.

Speculation is rife that the NEC will address grievances, including the actions of certain members, like the FCT Minister, who openly declared non-support for Atiku in the elections, which has sparked calls for accountability.

Moreover, the suspension of National Chairman, Dr. Iyorchia Ayu and the tenure of acting Chairman Ambassador Umar Damagum are expected to be key topics of discussion.

With the party at a crossroads, Segun Showunmi, a notable PDP figure, has labelled the forthcoming NEC meeting as a “make or mar” event, crucial for determining the PDP’s direction and longevity.

Speaking with Daily Trust, Showunmi said, “This NEC is a make or mar meeting for the PDP because a lot of issues require the attention of the party members, and the members of the party and the Nigerian public have some minimum expectations as to how they expect the party to progress going forward. Whatever the NEC comes out with will have a far-reaching implication on the party, not only on the next election but also on the future and survival of the party.”

He added, “I believe that deep thinking and sober reflection should help them to know what is expedient; once they come out of the NEC, people will be holding their breath to see the outcome of the meeting, and I hope that they take it with the seriousness that it deserves.”

Despite the eagerness of many party members and Nigerians to see the outcome of the NEC meeting, the delay in convening the meeting was reportedly due to various reasons, including legal challenges stemming from the 2023 presidential election and the need to await the results of key governorship elections.

A source in the party told the platform that most of the PDP governors agreed that the party needs a total overhaul and that holding NEC without putting their acts together on what to do on the Wike issue and the status of Damagum will not augur well.