The long-awaited 98th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) convened in Abuja on Thursday.
As the meeting progressed, members of the NEC nominated Dr Bukola Saraki, the former governor of Kwara State and senate president to lead a peace accord among the aggrieved members of the party.
The PDP has been grappling with internal strife following events before and after last year’s general elections. Those challenges contributed to the party losing the presidential election to the ruling All Progressives Congress.
Ahead of the NEC meeting, party sources indicated that the National Working Committee would submit a list of members engaged in anti-party activities. They were believed to have contributed to the defeat of the PDP’s presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar.
There were some rumours that the list might include the name of former Rivers State governor, Nyesom Wike, who openly opposed Atiku and supported the APC candidate, Bola Tinubu.
During the NEC meeting, contrary to expectations, no such list was submitted. Instead, former Akwa Ibom State Governor, Udom Emmanuel, was appointed as the chairman of the disciplinary committee. Despite insinuations about Wike’s involvement, the NEC did not address the matter directly.
A member who attended the meeting revealed, “Regarding the alleged anti-party activities involving some PDP members in 2023, nobody mentioned it during the meeting.”
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NEC nominated Saraki and Emmanuel to lead reconciliation and disciplinary committees. This indicates the party’s focus on resolving internal conflicts.
The issue of the party’s acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, also came up during discussions. The North Central Zone asserted its right to nominate the next National Chairman following the dismissal of Iyorchia Ayu.
However, the NEC postponed the decision on Damagum’s status until August 15 due to heightened tensions.
Furthermore, the NEC meeting concluded with a call for unity and stability within the party amidst challenges posed by the APC administration.
The party condemned the administration’s policies, particularly regarding insecurity and economic management, and demanded urgent action to address these issues.
Despite the lack of assurance surrounding leadership positions, party officials emphasized the PDP’s commitment to unity and adherence to constitutional processes.
The Governors Forum of the PDP reaffirmed support for the current leadership and pledged to work towards restoring good governance and reclaiming power nationally.
Damagum expressed readiness to accept any outcome regarding his position, highlighting the party’s resilience amid challenges.