The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP Governors Forum, has called for an emergency meeting on Monday to discuss various concerns regarding the party’s future as the crisis rocking the party persists.
According to a senior member of the party who wished to remain anonymous due to not being authorised to comment, it was 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 after becoming acting National Chairman following Senator Iyorchia Ayu’s judicial expulsion, Damagum has faced growing criticism from party leaders over the PDP’s protracted turmoil, prompting calls for his resignation.
Damagum’s indecision has exacerbated the difficult political climate in Rivers State between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, Minister of Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike.
In an unexpected turn of events on Friday, 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 activities.
Shortly after, a statement issued by Ologunagba stated that the NWC had suspended Damagum and National Secretary Sen. Samuel Anyanwu for suspected treason to the PDP, installing National Treasurer Yayari Ahmed Mohammed as acting National Chairman.
According to a source who attended the meeting between the Bauchi Governor and Damagum’s section of the NWC, the chairman of the PDP Governors Forum advised 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 organise an elective national convention in 2025 to usher in the 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 situations. Therefore, the governors will convene to consider all these issues.”
Attempts to contact 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 comment were unsuccessful.
They did not return our correspondent’s calls or respond to texts. In a similar event, ahead of the PDP 99th National Executive Committee meeting on October 24th, party members are pushing for serious moves to realign the party.
Eddy Olafeso, the former National Vice Chairman for the Peoples Democratic Party’s South-West, emphasised that the PDP’s future is everyone’s responsibility.
Olafeso stressed the importance of the NEC fostering unity among party members.
“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.”
Timothy Osadolor, PDP Deputy National Youth Leader, expressed hope that NEC members will engage in a moment of truth at the upcoming meeting.
In a chat with our correspondent, Osadolor expressed optimism that the PDP’s leadership and discipline issues will be handled by 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.”
