Amid ongoing internal conflicts within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), its governors are set to convene in Jos, Plateau State, this Saturday to discuss party matters and national issues ahead of the 99th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting scheduled for November 28.
A senior PDP official, speaking anonymously, confirmed that key figures, including acting National Chairman Umar Damagum, National Secretary Sam Anyanwu, and National Legal Adviser Kamaldeen Ajibade (SAN), have been invited to the meeting. The discussion will revolve around the state of the party and plans for the upcoming NEC session.
The 98th NEC meeting, held earlier in April, had established the formation of a reconciliation and disciplinary committee and called for consultations within the North Central caucus regarding the national chairmanship. Since then, the party has experienced further setbacks, including the loss of the Edo and Ondo governorship elections to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
As tensions rise within the party following the 2023 election defeat, factions have emerged. Some governors have called for the resignation of Damagum, while others, particularly those loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, favor his continuation in office. The upcoming Jos meeting aims to finalize the agenda and set the tone for the NEC, which will also address the party’s electoral performance and the future leadership of the PDP.
Further reports revealed that the National Working Committee (NWC) had recently met with state chairmen to reinforce unity within the party. Austin Nwachukwu, the Interim Chairman of the PDP Forum of State Chairmen, dismissed claims of a deep crisis, calling the issues faced by the party “cosmetic” and stressing that the PDP remains strong and focused on regaining electoral success.
Despite recent setbacks, including the losses in Edo and Ondo, Nwachukwu reaffirmed that the PDP is poised for a resurgence, with plans for future congresses and a focus on unity across all levels.
