PDP crisis: Party summons emergency meeting Monday

As the crisis rocking the Peoples Democratic Party persists, the Chairman of the PDP Governors Forum and Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, has charged the factional acting National Chairman of the party, Umar Damagum, to revert to the status quo.

A senior party member informed Sunday PUNCH that the PDP Governors Forum has called for an emergency meeting on Monday to discuss various concerns regarding the party’s future.

The source, who wished to remain anonymous due to not being authorised to comment, also revealed that PDP stakeholders were considering the establishment of a caretaker committee to guide the party toward a National Convention to elect a new National Working Committee.

Recall that, since becoming the acting National Chairman following Senator Iyorchia Ayu’s court removal, Damagum has faced increasing criticism from party leaders over the ongoing crisis in the PDP, resulting in calls for his resignation.

Damagum’s indecisiveness has contributed to the tense political situation in Rivers State between Governor Sim Fubara and his predecessor, Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.

On Friday, in a surprising turn of events, Damagum’s faction of the NWC, through the party’s National Director of Publicity, Chinwe Nnorom, announced the suspension of National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba and National Legal Adviser Kamaldeen Ajibade (SAN) for alleged insubordination and anti party.

Shortly after, a statement signed by Ologunagba indicated that the NWC had suspended Damagum and National Secretary Sen. Samuel Anyanwu for alleged disloyalty to the PDP, appointing National Treasurer Yayari Ahmed Mohammed as the acting National Chairman.

The source, who was in the meeting between the Bauchi Governor and Damagum’s faction of the NWC reported that the chairman of the PDP governors Forum urged for calm.

He stated, “Governor Bala Mohammed is worried about the situation. During his meeting with Damagum’s team on Friday, he welcomed them and called for calm. The governor urged them to restore the status quo to keep the NWC unified and allow the NEC to address the issues at its next meeting.

“To tackle these concerns, I understand that the governors have called an emergency meeting for Monday. Some stakeholders are discussing the possibility of appointing a new caretaker committee to manage the party’s affairs and organize an elective national convention in 2025 to usher in new NWC.

“These stakeholders believe that reconciliation efforts will not lead to the current NWC members collaborating for the party’s benefit. However, they are also cautious due to the ongoing litigation surrounding the Damagum and NWC situation. Therefore, the governors will convene to consider all these issues.”

Attempts to reach the Director General of the PDP Governors Forum, Dr. Emmanuel Agbo and the acting National Publicity Secretary of Damagum’s NWC, Ibrahim Abbdullahi for a response were unsuccessful. They did not answer our correspondent’s calls or reply to text messages.

In a related development, in anticipation of the PDP 99th National Executive Committee meeting on October 24th, party members are calling for significant actions to realign the PDP.

The former National Vice Chairman for the South-West of the Peoples Democratic Party, Eddy Olafeso, emphasized that the future of the PDP is a shared responsibility.

Olafeso in an exclusive interview with Sunday PUNCH stressed the importance of the NEC fostering unity among party members.

He stated, “The future of this party is a collective responsibility that requires the commitment of all members. I expect the NEC to play a crucial role in uniting everyone and fostering collaboration. By working together, we can create a stronger foundation for the PDP.

“It is essential for the NEC to continue building a formidable party that is well-prepared for future challenges. Through collective efforts, we can ensure the PDP remains a powerful force in politics.”

The PDP Deputy National Youth Leader, Timothy Osadolor, expressed his hope that NEC members will engage in a moment of truth during the upcoming meeting.

In an interview with our correspondent, Osadolor shared his optimism that the leadership and discipline challenges facing the PDP will be resolved on October 24th.

Osadolor stated, “Well, from the NEC, I expect a more united response to some of the issues. I also expect that some hard truths will be told in the meeting, and the leaders of the party will ensure that the PDP comes out better and stronger after we resolve all internal issues that are causing concern.

“I also believe that the issues of leadership and discipline will be addressed by this NEC, as the committee tasked with some of these responsibilities will provide a report that will enable the NEC to take decisive actions.

“Once all these are accomplished, I believe that lasting peace will emerge from this frank and robust discussion.”