The 98th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) took place in Abuja last week, drawing a significant turnout of key party figures such as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Vice President Namadi Sambo.
State governors including Bala Mohammed, Seyi Makinde, Ahmed Fintiri, Ademola Adeleke, and Sim Fubara were also in attendance, alongside the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, among others.
The NEC meeting concluded with an endorsement of the Amb. Umar Damagum-led National Working Committee (NWC), granting him the mandate to continue in his role until the next NEC meeting.
The issue of party leadership, a major point of contention, was deferred to be addressed in August, with an emphasis on unity, reconciliation, and collaboration among party organs, leaders, stakeholders, and members to strengthen the PDP’s position.
The reconstitution of the Party Disciplinary and Reconciliation Committees was also approved to ensure party stability moving forward.
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Despite existing leadership challenges, the decision indicates that Wike may continue to exert influence within the party, with Damagun retaining his position as the acting National Chairman.
Prior to the NEC meeting, the focus of discussion among PDP officials was whether Damagum should retain his position or be replaced, sparking debates and tensions within the party.
The issue led to renewed hostilities between the Atiku and Wike factions, with conflicting interests and alliances coming to the forefront.
Wike, currently serving as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory under the APC, despite claiming allegiance to the PDP, has been a central figure in the power struggles within the party.
Public Affairs Analyst Nduka Odo emphasized that the PDP’s internal turmoil is not solely due to Wike’s influence or strategies but rather a result of broader disillusionment and disinterest among the populace towards the party.
Odo cautioned that unless the PDP addresses its internal divisions and reconnects with its traditional support base, it risks facing further decline and potential extinction in future elections.
The current state of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) at the national level is one of disarray and dwindling interest among the populace.
This lack of interest has allowed figures like Wike to exert influence over the party leadership, engage in alliances with opposition parties, and attend crucial meetings with a sense of arrogance due to the weakened state of the party.
The departure of prominent members like Emeka Ihedioha from the party further highlights the internal struggles and conflicts within the PDP.
Individual interests have taken precedence over the collective party or national interests, leading to a situation where the future of the party is uncertain and disconnected from the aspirations of the people.
The reduced interest in the PDP at the national level has created a vacuum that allows individuals like Wike to manipulate and control the party without facing significant repercussions.
The lack of accountability and unity within the party structure has made it vulnerable to external threats and internal power struggles.
The warning that the PDP may face extinction at the national level within two election cycles if it fails to address its internal issues and reconnect with its support base is a stark reminder of the challenges the party is currently facing.
The encroachment of other political parties like the APC and the Labour Party further complicates the PDP’s survival prospects in the long run. Despite the ongoing crisis within the PDP, efforts are being made to resolve the issues surrounding the Caretaker Committee of River State.
The National Working Committee (NWC) of the party, in collaboration with the PDP Governors’ Forum, is working towards finding an amicable solution to the crisis and ensuring compliance with the court order regarding the status of the Rivers State Caretaker Committee List.
Mr. Osita Okechukwu, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), expressed his views on the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in a recent interview with Obasanjonews.com.
He criticized the PDP for failing to address the issues within the party and instead resorting to blaming hunger and insecurity in the country.
Okechukwu emphasized the importance of the PDP reflecting on its internal problems, such as the troubled Wike’s Masquerade, and implementing measures to uphold internal democracy and adhere to established conventions and laws.
He accused the PDP of engaging in a blame game against the APC rather than focusing on self-improvement.
Okechukwu predicted that the PDP’s chances of recovery after the upcoming congresses and national convention were slim due to their failure to address the root causes of their recent electoral defeat.
He urged the PDP to engage in soul-searching and address their internal issues before attempting to fulfill their role as the main opposition party.
Okechukwu also criticized the PDP’s track record of privatizing State Owned Enterprises (SOEs) and contributing to Nigeria’s economic challenges, highlighting the failures of various privatized entities such as NEPA, Ajaokuta Steel, and NICON Insurance.
He challenged the PDP to name any successfully privatized SOE, emphasizing the negative impact of their neoliberal policies on the country’s economy and security.
