Leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are urging National Executive Committee (NEC) members to come together to tackle pressing issues and challenges hindering the party’s progress. However, the acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, has been delaying the organization of the NEC meeting, which has raised concerns that it could jeopardize reconciliation efforts and planning to reposition the party.
Umar Ibrahim-Tsauri, a former National Secretary of the PDP, believes that the party’s governors should take the lead in gathering the necessary two-thirds support to convene the meeting. He emphasized that the PDP’s 2017 Constitution outlines the quorum required for such a meeting, stating that it must be composed of two-thirds of the membership from at least two-thirds of the zones in the federation.
Another senior party member, who prefers to remain anonymous, warned that Damagum’s inaction could lead to the frustration of the reconciliation process. They stressed that it’s time for party members, particularly NEC members, to step up and mobilize the required support to summon the meeting and address pressing issues.
In this context, the PDP Governors Forum, led by Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, has issued a directive to the Damagum-led National Working Committee (NWC) to ensure that the NEC meeting is held in the first week of February 2025.
The delay in holding the meeting has been attributed to various excuses, including the untimely death of Akwa Ibom State Governor’s wife, which has prompted party leaders to seek alternative dates. However, party members are keenly aware that the next meeting may not be convened unless two-thirds of NEC members come together to demand it under the party’s constitution.
Ultimately, it is crucial for party members to recognize that the PDP is bigger than any individual and that it’s time to put aside personal interests and work together to address the pressing issues affecting the party’s progress. As Umar Ibrahim-Tsauri aptly put it, “the party is bigger than any individual, and there is no need to continue waiting for those who, for selfish reasons, are preventing the meeting from taking place.”
