The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) continues to grapple with internal strife following its defeat in the 2023 general election, which saw the All Progressives Congress (APC) retain power.
Despite numerous attempts by party stakeholders, including governors, to resolve the leadership crisis, a decisive solution remains elusive.
The upcoming National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, initially seen as a pivotal moment for the party’s future, now faces uncertainty.
The meeting, scheduled for October 24, has already been delayed twice. It was first postponed from August 15 due to members’ participation in a pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia and was later pushed to September 26 due to incomplete state congresses, leaving key positions within the party unfilled.
As the new date approaches, concerns grow within the party about whether the NEC will be able to address the contentious issue of Acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum’s tenure.
According to multiple sources, a significant portion of the party’s governors agree that Damagum should step down.
However, unresolved conditions—such as the withdrawal of court cases and the selection of a replacement from the North Central zone are causing delays.
One party insider disclosed that the failure to meet these key conditions raises doubts about whether the NEC meeting will proceed as planned or result in further postponement, prolonging the party’s internal divisions.
The source told Daily Trust, “We need those who went to court to withdraw their cases, and the North Central zone needs to choose a replacement. None of these steps have been completed yet, so even if NEC takes place this Thursday, another meeting might be needed in December to finalise the transition.”
Another factor contributing to the uncertainty is the number of unresolved internal party matters that require NEC’s attention.
Tim Osadolor, a member of the NEC and the PDP’s Deputy National Youth Leader, said ongoing state congresses, particularly in Abia, Ebonyi, and Edo, need to be completed before the party can move forward.
“There are several issues that NEC needs to resolve, but many of these are still pending.
“For example, the Ondo State governorship election is fast approaching, and state congresses in places like Abia, Ebonyi, and Edo are not yet concluded. Anambra’s congress was postponed last week due to security concerns, and we still have five or six states with unfinished congresses,” Osadolor said.
Osadolor added that NEC committees assigned to tackle some of these issues are still working on their reports, making it difficult to conduct a comprehensive discussion at scheduled Thursday’s meeting.
“NEC cannot address these matters halfway,” he said, adding that, “It would be better to wait additional two or three weeks and have a full discussion where everything is on the table.”