Pressure Builds on Damagum to Convene NEC Meeting
Amid ongoing internal disputes within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), critical stakeholders are mounting pressure on the party's acting National Chairman, Ambassador Iliya Damagum, to ensure that the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, scheduled for Thursday, October 24, 2024, takes place as planned. This meeting, mandated by the party's constitution, is crucial in addressing pressing issues facing the PDP, and any further delay could lead to a significant breach of party protocol.
Mandate for NEC Meetings
The PDP's constitution requires the National Chairman to convene NEC meetings at least once every quarter. However, since assuming the role of acting chairman, Damagum has yet to fulfill this obligation. This inaction has created growing frustration among party members, many of whom view his reluctance as a deliberate move to delay the meeting and possibly manipulate internal processes.
The October 24 meeting is already listed on the party’s calendar, but concerns remain high among PDP leaders and members who fear that Damagum may still find ways to postpone it.
Political Maneuvering Over Party Leadership
One key factor behind Damagum's hesitation to convene the NEC meeting is the ongoing political maneuvering within the PDP regarding the national chairmanship. Following the departure of the former national chairman, Dr. Iyorchia Ayu, from Benue State in the North Central region, many believe that the position should revert to the North Central zone, as outlined in the party's constitution. However, Damagum, who hails from the North East, has shown reluctance to relinquish his role, thereby fueling speculation that he is trying to maintain his leadership position.
This leadership dilemma has further divided the party, with some PDP governors supporting Damagum's continued leadership while others, reportedly influenced by Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike, argue that the party’s leadership can only be resolved through a national convention.
Divisions Within the National Working Committee
The National Working Committee (NWC), the body responsible for overseeing the day-to-day administration of the PDP, is itself deeply divided on whether the NEC meeting should proceed as scheduled. This internal split mirrors the broader leadership crisis that has engulfed the party in recent weeks, with rival factions issuing suspensions and counter-suspensions of key party officials.
Despite these rifts, some members of the NWC insist that the NEC meeting must take place without further delay. One anonymous NWC member, speaking to the Nigerian Tribune, highlighted Damagum's reluctance, stating, "Damagum is clearly afraid of calling the NEC, even though it has already been scheduled. But the right thing must be done."
The source emphasized that the only path to resolving the current leadership crisis is for the NEC meeting to proceed. "The chairmanship post must return to the North Central. Nigerians are watching and waiting for the PDP to fix its issues and return to power," the NWC member added.
Growing Pressure for Leadership Resolution
The push to hold the NEC meeting and resolve the leadership impasse has intensified, particularly with demands for the party to restore the chairmanship to the North Central region. Many within the PDP believe that doing so would strengthen the party's unity and help it rebuild ahead of future elections.
The anonymous NWC source echoed this sentiment, urging party leaders to "do the right thing" by restoring the North Central to its rightful position. “Give the North Central its rightful place, and this party will come back strong. Nigerians are looking forward to seeing this resolved,” the source said.
Uncertainty Over October 24 Meeting
While the NEC meeting is officially scheduled for October 24, there remains uncertainty about whether it will actually take place. The same NWC source expressed doubt over the likelihood of the meeting proceeding as planned, despite its inclusion on the party’s calendar. "I don’t know if the meeting will hold. We have a plan, and that is to follow the schedule for the NEC meeting. That’s my expectation. NEC is a statutory body that meets quarterly. What’s the big deal? Why is there resistance? It’s puzzling,” the source noted.
Internal Discontent and Calls for Change
Discontent within the PDP has been further exacerbated by recent efforts to suspend Damagum. The alleged suspension, though disputed, led to widespread reactions within the party, with many members calling for a change in leadership. “You saw the reaction after the suspension,” said the anonymous NWC member. “The uproar was loud and clear. People are calling for change. They want Damagum out. It is his duty to call the NEC meeting, and whether he wants to or not, it has already been scheduled. As far as I’m concerned, the meeting has been called.”
Silence from Party Spokesperson
Efforts to obtain comments from the PDP's National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, were unsuccessful. When contacted by phone on Friday, Ologunagba declined to provide a statement regarding the party's ongoing internal issues or the status of the October 24 NEC meeting.
Conclusion: Future of PDP at a Crossroads
As the PDP grapples with its internal leadership crisis, many party loyalists are urging swift and decisive action to prevent further fractures within the party. With crucial elections on the horizon, resolving these internal disputes and restoring unity within the PDP will be essential for its future success. Whether the October 24 NEC meeting proceeds as planned will be a key indicator of the party’s ability to overcome its current challenges and move forward effectively
0 Comments