Tensions are rising within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as key stakeholders increase pressure on the acting National Chairman, Ambassador Umar Iliya Damagum, to ensure the timely convening of the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting scheduled for Thursday, October 24, 2024.
The party’s constitution mandates that NEC meetings occur quarterly, a responsibility Damagum has yet to fulfill amid internal party crises.
Many PDP members are becoming increasingly frustrated by his hesitation to approve the forthcoming NEC meeting, fearing that any delay could breach the party’s constitutional obligations.
Although the meeting is included on the official calendar, party leaders and members express concerns that Damagum may be intentionally stalling.
Sources inside the PDP suggest that the acting chairman’s reluctance may be linked to political maneuvering over the national chairmanship, which is expected to return to the North Central region following the departure of former chairman Dr. Iyorchia Ayu.
According to party rules, the chairmanship should revert to the North Central region, but Damagum, who hails from the North East, is reportedly unwilling to step down.
This issue has caused division among PDP governors, with some backing Damagum’s continued leadership, while others—allegedly led by Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike—believe that only a national convention should decide the party’s leadership.
Wike’s faction is reportedly pushing for broader party reforms, including resolving the chairmanship question, adding further complexity to the situation.
The National Working Committee (NWC) is also split on whether the NEC meeting should proceed, reflecting the wider leadership crisis that has seen factions issuing suspensions and counter-suspensions in recent weeks.
Some NWC members insist that the NEC meeting must go ahead to restore order within the party.
An anonymous NWC member told the Nigerian Tribune that Damagum has no option but to hold the NEC meeting.
He said: “Damagum is afraid of convening the NEC, even though it’s on the schedule. But it must be done. The only way to resolve this is for the NEC to meet. The chairmanship belongs to the North Central.”
The same source added, “If the right thing is done, and the North Central gets its rightful place, the party will come back stronger. Nigerians are watching.”
While it remains uncertain whether the NEC meeting will proceed as planned, the expectation is for the party to follow through with the official schedule.
Frustration within the PDP has grown, especially after recent attempts to suspend Damagum.
The suspension sparked significant reactions among party members, further highlighting internal discord.
“The uproar after the suspension was clear—people want Damagum out,” said the NWC member. “The NEC meeting is scheduled, and it should go ahead.”
Attempts to reach PDP National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba for comments were unsuccessful.