Emergency Meeting Called Amid Internal Strife in the Peoples Democratic Party
As tensions rise within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the National Working Committee (NWC) has convened an emergency meeting. This decision follows a stalemate involving PDP governors, party leaders, and representatives from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). A party insider, who preferred to remain anonymous, confirmed that the meeting is scheduled for today.
INEC’s Advice and Internal Disputes
During their discussions, INEC urged the PDP to consult its members and refer to its constitution and other pertinent documents to address its internal conflicts. Umar Damagum, the Acting National Chairman of the PDP, addressed the media after the meeting with INEC, indicating that the party would engage with its leadership and provide a response within 48 hours.
The PDP has been struggling with internal issues since its electoral defeat in 2015, facing challenges such as leadership conflicts, defections, and unresolved disputes from congresses held in various regions. Currently, the party is embroiled in a contentious battle for the position of National Secretary, with Sunday Udeh-Okoye and Samuel Anyanwu vying for the role. Anyanwu has garnered support from influential figures, including Nyesom Wike, the Federal Capital Territory Minister. This rivalry has exacerbated divisions within the party and has resulted in repeated delays for the National Executive Committee (NEC) meetings.
Appointment of Acting National Secretary
In an attempt to stabilize the situation, the PDP appointed Setonji Koshoedo as the acting National Secretary. However, a fact-finding committee led by Taraba State Governor Kefas Agbu reported that INEC continues to recognize Anyanwu as the legitimate national secretary. As a result, the PDP’s 99th NEC session has scheduled an important 100th meeting for June 30. On May 30, Damagum sent a formal letter to INEC regarding this meeting, but the electoral body rejected the communication, insisting that it must be co-signed by both the party’s national chairman and national secretary.
In a press briefing, the PDP’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, clarified that under Nigerian law and the PDP constitution, INEC’s role is limited to receiving notifications of party conventions and congresses, especially those concerning the election of party officers or candidates. He emphasized that INEC does not have a say in the regular operations of the NWC or NEC, which are internal matters.
Controversy Following Damagum’s Remarks
After Ologunagba’s comments, Damagum distanced the party from his statements, labeling them as personal opinions that were regrettably made without proper consultation. Despite the ongoing issues, Damagum characterized the recent meeting with INEC as productive and expressed his gratitude for their engagement.
The meeting aimed to address procedural and legal concerns that have arisen since a Supreme Court ruling related to the party’s leadership structure. Damagum noted that the discussion would clarify the status of the national secretary, given the ongoing litigation that has persisted since the beginning of last year.
INEC’s Position on the National Secretary Dispute
Professor Mahmood Yakubu, the INEC Chairman, welcomed the PDP delegation and reiterated the commission’s openness to dialogue with political parties. He pointed out that the purpose of the meeting was to rectify procedural discrepancies in recent communications from the PDP concerning its national secretary. He noted that the commission had received conflicting letters regarding the identity of the national secretary, highlighting the confusion that has ensued.
Yakubu explained that the issue began when the PDP invited INEC to observe its 100th NEC meeting with a letter signed only by the chairman, which contravened the requirement for both the chairman and secretary’s signatures. He underscored the importance of resolving these discrepancies to maintain clarity in political communications.
Reactions from Party Leaders
Prominent figures in the PDP attended the meeting, including Governors Seyi Makinde, Dauda Lawal, and Bala Mohammed, along with former Senate President Bukola Saraki and other key party officials. According to a senior party member, INEC did not provide a definitive answer regarding the identity of the national secretary, instead advising the leaders to consult their constitution and relevant court judgments for resolution.
The meeting concluded with party leaders continuing discussions at the Bauchi Governor’s Lodge in Abuja. Meanwhile, the NWC is scheduled to convene tomorrow to receive a comprehensive update and establish a clear stance on the matter.
Criticism of Damagum’s Leadership
In a related development, former PDP National Publicity Secretaries Olisa Metuh and Kola Ologbondiyan have publicly criticized Damagum for his comments towards Ologunagba. Metuh expressed concern over Damagum’s remarks, which he deemed damaging to the party’s image and a violation of its constitution. Ologbondiyan echoed similar sentiments, condemning Damagum’s actions as an affront to the authority of both the NEC and the NWC.
Both former officials called for immediate action from the party leadership to address what they see as an attempt by Damagum to undermine the PDP’s legacy and cohesion. They emphasized the need for the PDP to remain a strong opposition force in Nigeria, highlighting the importance of unity and internal harmony within the party.
