Amid the continuing crisis rocking the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP Governors Forum chairman and Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, has ordered the party’s acting national faction chairman, Umaru Damagumu, to return to the status quo.
Party leaders informed Sunday Punch that the PDP Governors Forum has called an emergency meeting on Monday to discuss various concerns regarding the future of the party.
The official, who requested anonymity as he was not authorized to comment, said PDP officials are considering setting up an interim committee to guide the party towards a national convention to elect a new national working committee. was also revealed.
Since assuming the role of acting national chairman following the court dismissal of Senator Iyorukia Ayu, Mr. Damagum has come under growing criticism from party leaders over the ongoing crisis in the PDP, leading to calls for his resignation. I want you to remember that.
Mr Damagumu’s indecisive nature contributed to the tension in the political situation in Rivers State between Governor Simu Hubara and his predecessor, the Federal Capital Territory Minister, Mr Nyesom Wike.
In a surprising turn of events, on Friday, the Damagum faction of the NWC, through the party’s National Public Relations Director, Chinwe Norom, arrested National Public Relations Secretary Debo Ologunagba and National Legal Advisor (SAN) Kamaludeen Ajibade for alleged insubordination and anti-government acts. announced his suspension. party.
Shortly after, a statement signed by Mr. Ologunagba said the NWC suspended Mr. Damagum and the Secretary of State, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, for their alleged allegiance to the PDP, and appointed the Minister of National Treasury and Finance, Yayari Ahmed Mohammed, as acting national chairman. It was shown that
Sources who were present at the meeting between Governor Bauchi and the Damagum faction of the NWC reported that the chairman of the PDP Governors Forum called for calm.
He said: “Governor Bala Mohammed is concerned about the situation. In a meeting with Damagum’s team on Friday, he welcomed them and called for calm. It requested that the status quo be restored to allow the NEC to address the issue at its next meeting.
“We have heard that the governors have convened an emergency meeting on Monday to address these concerns. Some stakeholders have expressed their desire to take control of party affairs and hold elections in 2025 for the inauguration of a new NWC. The possibility of appointing a new management committee to organize the national conference is being discussed.
“These stakeholders believe that reconciliation efforts will not lead to current NWC members working together for the benefit of the party. However, litigation over the status of Damagum and NWC is ongoing. So they are also prudent. So the governor will be convened to consider all these issues.”
Attempts to seek responses from the Secretary-General of the PDP Governors Forum, Dr. Emmanuel Agbo, and the Acting NWC National Publicity Secretary in Damagum, Ibrahim Abdullahi, were unsuccessful. They did not answer our correspondent’s calls or reply to text messages.
In a related development, party members are calling for significant action to restructure the PDP ahead of the 99th National Executive Committee meeting of the PDP to be held on October 24.
Former National Vice-Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party South-West, Mr. Eddy Olafeso, stressed that the future of the PDP is a shared responsibility.
Mr Olafeso, in an exclusive interview with Sunday Punch, stressed the importance of the NEC fostering unity among party members.
He said: “The future of this party is a collective responsibility and will require the dedication of all party members. I look forward to the NEC playing an important role in bringing everyone together and fostering collaboration. Working together. By doing so, you can build a stronger foundation for your PDP.
“It is imperative for the NEC to continue to build a strong party that is well prepared for the challenges of the future. Through our united efforts, we can ensure that the PDP remains a strong force in politics. .”
PDP National Youth Deputy Leader Timothy Osador expressed hope that NEC members will address the Moment of Truth at their next meeting.
In an interview with our correspondent, Osadore shared his optimism that the leadership and discipline challenges facing the PDP would be resolved on October 24.
Osador said: “We expect a more united response from the NEC to some of the issues. We also expect some hard truths to be told at the conference, which the party leadership has raised concerns about. After solving all internal issues, it will ensure that PDP will become better and more powerful.
“We also believe that leadership and discipline issues will be addressed by this NEC. The committee that has taken on some of these responsibilities will submit a report that will enable the NEC to take decisive action. Sho.”
“If all of this is accomplished, I believe that lasting peace will emerge from this frank and powerful discussion.”
