PDP Governors Meet to Decide on Key National Executive Committee Meeting Amid Leadership Tensions

The governors of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are holding a crucial meeting today to finalize plans for the upcoming National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting. The gathering aims to address internal party tensions, particularly disputes over the position of the national chairman.

Sources reveal that the governors have summoned the PDP’s national chairman, Illiya Damagum, and the party’s secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, to discuss pressing party matters ahead of the NEC meeting scheduled for October 24. A party insider shared, “The governors invited the party chairman and the secretary to brief them on the activities within the party and to prepare for the NEC meeting. They will also discuss concerns from the recently conducted congresses.”

North Central Zone Pushes for Change in Leadership

A significant issue expected to dominate the discussions is the demand from the North Central zone for Damagum to step down as national chairman and revert to his former role as deputy national chairman. Leaders from the region argue that their zone should be allowed to select a replacement for the former chairman, Senator Iyorchia Ayu.

Among the leading candidates for the role are former Benue State Governor Senator Gabriel Suswam, Emmanuel Agbo, and Conrad Utaan. While the party’s Board of Trustees (BoT) supports holding the NEC meeting as planned, the chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum, Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, has emphasized that today’s meeting will decide the timeline for the NEC gathering. “We are committed to finding a resolution that works for the party’s unity and progress,” said a source close to the forum.

Recent Governors’ Deliberations Aim for Unity

Today’s meeting follows a virtual discussion among PDP governors last week, where they deliberated on resolving internal party conflicts. During the Zoom meeting, which lasted two days, the governors urged party factions to return to the status quo, putting an end to the recent suspension battles within the National Working Committee (NWC).

The governors also nullified the suspensions of key party figures, including Acting National Chairman Illiya Damagum, Secretary Senator Samuel Anyanwu, National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba, and National Legal Adviser Kamaldeen Ajibade. This move aimed to restore stability within the party’s leadership structure and prepare for a successful NEC meeting.

PDP Responds to APC Chairman’s Comments on Ondo Election

Meanwhile, the PDP has reacted strongly to statements made by the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman, Umar Ganduje, regarding the upcoming gubernatorial election in Ondo State. Ganduje had claimed that the APC was determined to “capture” Ondo State, which he suggested would pave the way for the party to regain control in Oyo and Osun states.

PDP National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba criticized Ganduje’s remarks, describing them as “reckless and irresponsible.” He emphasized the determination of the people of Ondo to resist any attempts to undermine their democratic rights. “The people of Ondo State are ready to vote for the PDP, and any attempt to cow them would be resisted,” Ologunagba declared.

He warned that Ganduje’s use of the term “capture” implied a plan to subdue the will of the people. “If you look at the dictionary meaning of capture, it means to take by force or strategy. So what he’s saying is that he’s going to take the South West states and its people as prisoners of war. For us, it is troubling,” Ologunagba noted. He added that the South West has a long history of standing up for democratic rights, and any attempt to impose the APC’s will would face strong resistance.

Ologunagba further highlighted historical parallels, comparing the current situation to the events of 1983 when election rigging led to widespread unrest. “In 1983, when the recklessness of the then NPN continued in this manner, it eventually led to the end of that Republic. We are warning the APC; this is a warning directly to Ganduje,” he cautioned.

PDP Calls for Free and Fair Election in Ondo State

The PDP stressed the importance of a fair electoral process in Ondo, urging the APC to respect the will of the people. “The election of November 16 in Ondo State is an entirely different ball game. The people of Ondo State are ready; they are set to vote for the PDP, and any attempt to suppress them will not succeed,” Ologunagba affirmed.

PDP Reconciliation Efforts Continue

As part of efforts to strengthen party unity, the PDP’s National Reconciliation Committee, led by Olagunsoye Oyinlola, has dismissed any rumors of suspensions within the party. Speaking at the PDP national secretariat in Abuja, Oyinlola emphasized the committee’s focus on addressing internal challenges. “One obvious thing is that for any party to go into battle and win, they must be united. And that’s what we are going for,” he said.

With the NEC meeting on the horizon, PDP leaders are working to resolve internal rifts and ensure that the party is well-prepared for future political challenges, particularly in the run-up to key elections.