Leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are urging members of the National Executive Committee (NEC) to gather two-thirds support to convene a meeting and address critical issues affecting the party’s progress.
A former National Secretary of the party, Umar Ibrahim-Tsauri, and a senior party member, who requested anonymity, expressed expectations that PDP governors would rally two-thirds of the NEC members to call for a meeting to resolve concerns related to party unity and future direction.
Their concerns stem from the delay in convening an NEC meeting by the acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, which they believe could impede efforts for reconciliation and hinder the party’s restructuring.
During the 98th NEC meeting on April 18, party leaders had approved the establishment of a reconciliation and disciplinary committee, as well as the organization of ward and state congresses.
Additionally, the North Central caucus was tasked with consulting on Damagum’s potential replacement.
The 99th NEC meeting, initially scheduled for August 15, was first postponed to October 24, 2024, then to November 28, 2024, before being postponed indefinitely.
In response, the PDP Governors Forum, under the leadership of Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, has instructed Damagum’s National Working Committee (NWC) to organize the meeting by the first week of February 2025.
According to the PDP’s amended 2017 Constitution, Section 31(5) states that “The quorum of the National Executive Committee shall be two-thirds of the membership drawn from at least two-thirds of the zones in the federation, and a simple majority shall pass any motion.”
Ibrahim-Tsauri emphasized the urgency of holding the meeting, stating, “The NEC meeting was set for November 28. Although the reasons for postponing it were valid, many of us did not expect further delays. We now suggest holding it in early February. While it may have been inappropriate to hold the meeting on the 28th due to the Akwa Ibom Governor’s wife’s funeral, it could have been rescheduled a few days later.”
He added, “The constitution is clear: the party chairman calls the NEC meeting. If the chairman refuses, two-thirds of the membership can compel the chairman to hold the meeting.”
The anonymous party leader also voiced frustration over the delays, saying, “The way the party is being managed now, it’s time for NEC members to come together, mobilize the necessary two-thirds, and call for a meeting to resolve urgent matters.
The meeting has been delayed multiple times because some individuals don’t want it to happen. Those who care about the party’s future must summon the courage to call for the meeting with or without Damagum.”
He further asserted, “The party is bigger than any individual, and it is time to stop waiting for those who are preventing progress for selfish reasons.”
