Kehinde Fajobi
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Board of Trustees (BoT) has expressed disappointment with the Umar Damagum-led National Working Committee (NWC) for its repeated postponements of the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting.
Speaking at an emergency BoT meeting in Abuja on Thursday, BoT Chairman Senator Adolphus Wabara emphasised the need for unity and accountability within the party.
He also announced plans to meet with former Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike in January as part of efforts to resolve the party’s internal crisis.
Wabara stated, “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.”
The acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, has faced mounting criticism since assuming office after Senator Iyorchia Ayu’s court-ordered removal.
Calls for his resignation have grown amidst persistent intra-party conflicts.
At the party’s 98th NEC meeting in April, resolutions were passed to conduct ward and state congresses, form reconciliation and disciplinary committees, and consult the North Central Caucus on replacing the acting chairman with a permanent one.
However, the NEC meeting initially scheduled for August 15 has been postponed multiple times and is now indefinitely delayed.
The PDP Governors Forum, led by Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, has instructed the NWC to hold the NEC meeting no later than February 2024.
Wabara warned that the delays undermine trust within the party.
“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 (NWC) in convening a National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting.
“This delay not only undermines the trust and confidence of our members,” he said.
He further stated, “Adherence to timelines and commitments is non-negotiable. The NWC must demonstrate leadership and responsibility by ensuring the NEC meeting is held as planned.
“Further delays could exacerbate existing challenges and sow unnecessary discord within our ranks.”
Wabara also criticised the Tinubu administration’s economic policies, saying they have worsened poverty and hardship across Nigeria.
“The skyrocketing cost of living, coupled with poorly implemented economic reforms, has pushed millions into deeper poverty,” he said.
Internally, he stressed the importance of prioritising party unity and collective progress over personal ambitions.
“We cannot afford to let personal ambitions or differences overshadow our shared vision for a better Nigeria,” he added.
Looking ahead, Wabara reaffirmed the BoT’s commitment to peacebuilding within the PDP.
“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,” he concluded.