Africa (Commonwealth Union) _ The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has postponed its National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, initially scheduled for October 24, 2024, to November 28, 2024. The party made the decision following a four-hour consultative meeting at the Bauchi Governors’ Lodge in Asokoro, Abuja, with a focus on the crucial Ondo State governorship election scheduled for November 16, 2024.
Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, addressing the media after the meeting, emphasized that the rescheduling aims to unify the party ahead of the Ondo gubernatorial race. The PDP is determined to oust the incumbent All Progressives Congress (APC) government in the state, viewing the election as a critical step in strengthening the party’s position as Nigeria’s main opposition force.
Governor Mohammed stressed the importance of unity among members, urging them to avoid divisive rhetoric and work together to enhance the party’s chances in the Ondo election and future political contests. “The postponement is to ensure that the party goes into the forthcoming Ondo gubernatorial election with the unity and strength demanded to unseat the floundering APC government in the state,” he said.
The meeting saw attendance from key PDP organs, including the PDP Governors’ Forum, the Board of Trustees, the National Working Committee (NWC), the PDP caucus in the National Assembly, and the Forum of Former Governors.
In addition to election preparations, the party faces internal challenges regarding the tenure of its acting chairman, Umar Damagum. While there was a prior consensus for Damagum to relinquish his post at the NEC meeting, growing support for extending his tenure has emerged. Key figures, including Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang, are reportedly leading a faction advocating for a delay in Damagum’s resignation until after the Ondo election, thereby providing a “soft landing” for the acting chairman.
Damagum’s loyalists are rallying behind this proposal, citing delays in the North Central Zone nominating a successor as one reason for the potential extension. This development highlights ongoing divisions within the PDP, following its loss in the 2023 presidential election to the APC, but party leaders remain hopeful that unity can be achieved ahead of the 2027 elections.
