The political landscape within the Peoples Democratic Party is currently abuzz as factions rally around their preferred leaders following a significant endorsement by the party’s National Executive Committee.
The NEC’s 98th meeting in Abuja, held on Thursday, April 18, 2024, confirmed its support for the Amb. Umar Damagum-led National Working Committee, much to the delight of Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike’s camp.
This decision has significant implications, especially in light of the former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s faction’s failed attempt to adjust the leadership structure.
Atiku’s camp had proposed that Damagum revert to his former role as Deputy National Chairman (North), which would have allowed the North Central region to nominate a new National Chairman, thereby completing the unfinished term of the previous chairman, Dr. Iyiorchia Ayu. In response to this setback, the Atiku faction is reportedly revisiting their strategy.
The Chairman of the PDP Governors Forum and Governor of Bauchi State, Bala Mohammed, shared his satisfaction with the meeting’s harmonious outcome at a press briefing.
He emphasized the party’s unity and resilience, stating, “You can see there was no dissension and rancour. It was planned that the party will have an implosion. PDP is more than that, we have given beyond all these.”
Damagum, speaking after the NEC meeting, addressed the speculation around his position, affirming his commitment to the party regardless of his role.
He said, “This is not a matter of life and death. I am still an elected member of this NEC. Even If I revert to deputy national chairman I’m still a member of NWC. The issue of surviving or not does not emerge.”
The NEC meeting also focused on broader national issues, sharply criticizing the current administration led by the All Progressives Congress.
A communiqué read by the National Publicity Secretary, Hon. Debo Ologunagba, outlined the NEC’s concerns over the deteriorating state of national security, economic hardship, and governmental policies.
The communiqué condemned what it described as the “insensitivity, nonchalance, incompetence, and arrogance in failure” of the APC administration and called for urgent governmental reevaluation and action.
Additionally, the meeting concluded with decisions aimed at strengthening the PDP, including the approval of a timetable for party congresses, the reconstitution of the Party Disciplinary and Reconciliation Committees, and an extension for the Party Constitution Amendment Committee.
