The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has rescheduled its National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, initially planned for this Thursday, to 28 November 2024.
This decision comes as the party intensifies preparations for the upcoming Ondo State governorship election, set for 16 November 2024.
The announcement was made following a consultative session of the PDP Governors’ Forum, chaired by Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed.
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The forum’s meeting on Tuesday, 22 October 2024, held at the Bauchi State Governors’ Lodge in Abuja, brought together key members of the party’s leadership, including the National Working Committee, the National Assembly caucus, and former PDP governors.
A communiqué released after the meeting emphasized the need for unity and focus ahead of the Ondo election, stating, “The PDP has decided to postpone the NEC meeting to ensure the party is strategically prepared to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo and reclaim the state.”
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The forum underscored the importance of maintaining solidarity within the party, cautioning members against divisive rhetoric that could disrupt efforts to present a unified front for the election.
The PDP also used the opportunity to reaffirm its commitment to playing a central role as Nigeria’s opposition in the lead-up to the 2027 general elections.
Bauchi State Governor Mohammed expressed support for Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum, whose leadership had faced recent legal challenges.
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Mohammed’s endorsement came amid an internal power struggle that saw a faction seeking to block the NEC meeting through a court case in Zamfara.
This move followed a previous injunction from the Abuja Federal High Court that prevented any attempt to remove Damagum from his position.
At Tuesday’s gathering, Mohammed addressed party stakeholders, emphasizing the collective focus on reconciliation and preparation for the Ondo election.
“This is not merely a meeting of governors but a session for all PDP stakeholders. Our priority is to reconcile our differences and solidify our strategy for the upcoming electoral contests,” he stated.
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Only five of the party’s 13 governors were present at the forum, including Governors Ademola Adeleke (Osun), Dauda Lawal (Zamfara), Siminalayi Fubara (Rivers), and Caleb Muftwang (Plateau), alongside Mohammed.
The meeting followed the efforts of the Reconciliation Committee, led by former Osun Governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola, which recently mediated disputes within the National Working Committee, allowing the party to move forward.
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Mohammed underscored the PDP’s role as a credible alternative, stating, “We will not allow Nigeria to become a one-party state. Our experience since 1999 has equipped us to provide a robust platform for the Nigerian people.”
