PDP In Crisis Mode: Emergency Session Planned For Monday

PDP In Crisis Mode: Emergency Session Planned For MondayAs the crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) continues, Bala Mohammed, Chairman of the PDP Governors Forum and Governor of Bauchi State, has urged Umar Damagum, the factional acting National Chairman, to restore the party to its previous state. A senior party member disclosed to Sunday PUNCH that the PDP Governors Forum has convened an emergency meeting for Monday to address various concerns regarding the party’s future.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The source, who spoke on the condition of anonymity due to restrictions on commenting, noted that party stakeholders are contemplating the formation of a caretaker committee to steer the PDP towards a National Convention aimed at electing a new National Working Committee (NWC).

Since taking over as acting National Chairman after the court-ordered removal of Senator Iyorchia Ayu, Damagum has faced escalating criticism from party leaders over the ongoing turmoil, leading to demands for his resignation.

Damagum’s indecisiveness has intensified tensions in Rivers State, particularly between Governor Sim Fubara and his predecessor, Minister of Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike. In a surprising development on Friday, Damagum’s faction of the NWC, represented by 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 activities.

In response, Ologunagba issued a statement declaring that the NWC had suspended Damagum and National Secretary Senator Samuel Anyanwu for alleged disloyalty, appointing National Treasurer Yayari Ahmed Mohammed as the acting National Chairman.

A source present at the meeting between Governor Bala Mohammed and Damagum’s faction reported that the governor urged calm. “Governor Bala Mohammed is concerned about the current situation. In his meeting with Damagum’s team on Friday, he welcomed them and called for unity. He urged them to restore the status quo to keep the NWC cohesive and allow the National Executive Committee (NEC) to address the issues in its upcoming meeting,” the source stated.

To address these pressing matters, the governors have scheduled an emergency meeting for Monday. Discussions are underway regarding the potential appointment of a caretaker committee to oversee party affairs and organize a national convention in 2025 for electing a new NWC. Some stakeholders believe that reconciliation efforts among current NWC members may not yield the desired results for the party, but they are also wary of ongoing legal disputes involving Damagum and the NWC. Consequently, the governors plan to deliberate on these issues during their meeting.

In related news, as the PDP prepares for its 99th National Executive Committee meeting on October 24th, party members are advocating for substantial actions to realign the PDP. Eddy Olafeso, former National Vice Chairman for the South-West, underscored that the future of the PDP is a collective responsibility. In an exclusive interview with Sunday PUNCH, he emphasized the importance of the NEC in fostering unity among party members.

“The future of this party requires the commitment of all members. I expect the NEC to be pivotal in uniting everyone and promoting collaboration. Together, we can build a stronger foundation for the PDP,” Olafeso stated.

Timothy Osadolor, the PDP Deputy National Youth Leader, expressed hope that the NEC will engage in honest discussions during the upcoming meeting. He conveyed optimism that the leadership and discipline challenges facing the PDP will be addressed effectively on October 24th.

“I anticipate a more united response to the issues at hand. Some hard truths will be shared, and I trust that the leadership will ensure the PDP emerges stronger after resolving these internal concerns. The NEC is expected to tackle leadership and discipline issues, with committees providing reports to enable decisive actions. Once these matters are addressed, I believe lasting peace will follow from these open discussions,” Osadolor remarked.

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