From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
The National Executive Committee (NEC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is facing internal turmoil as ex-officio members urge for an urgent meeting scheduled for October 24, 2024.
They stressed that the meeting is crucial to address grievances and prevent potential implosion within the party. The call comes amid rising tensions and dissatisfaction among party members regarding leadership decisions.
In a press statement, signed by Yunana Ilya (North Central Zone), Nicholas Msheliza (North East Zone), Madu Chinemerem (South East Zone), Patrick Agbe (South South Zone) and Ibrahim Alhaji (North West Zone), the ex-officio members expressed their dismay at the party’s failure to adhere to its constitutional mandates, which stipulate that the NEC should meet quarterly.
They argue that neglecting these provisions has exacerbated existing issues, undermining the party’s foundational goals of promoting democracy and good governance in Nigeria.
The ex-officio members praised the efforts of the PDP Governors Forum, led by Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, in trying to resolve the ongoing crisis. They emphasised the need for unity and adherence to party principles, asserting that only through a convened NEC meeting can aggrieved members voice their concerns effectively.
According to the statement, “As an integral part of NEC of our great party, and one of its last bastions with the grassroots, who believe in the resurgence of our party’s popularity, we have critically brainstormed and dispassionately resolved, as a matter of urgency to call on the leadership of the party to ensure that the NEC meeting scheduled for the 24th, October 2024 holds.
“This will afford members who are aggrieved the opportunity to be heard and their issues addressed.”
Continuing, they said, “We have viewed with utter dismay and concern the dangerous turn of events within the top echelon of our party in recent times. These events have the tendency to shake the very foundation of our party.”
The national ex-officio members emphasized the need for a NEC meeting to provide a platform where aggrieved party members can voice their concerns and seek resolutions.
They said, “The NEC meeting will afford members who are aggrieved the opportunity to be heard and their issues addressed.”
They further explained that the PDP Constitution mandates that the NEC meets at least once every quarter, regretting that the party has failed to adhere to this provision.
“Our Party’s Constitution is explicit on the importance of NEC in its provision that it shall hold at least once every quarter, failing which two-thirds of members may exercise its power in summoning an emergency NEC meeting.
“It is regrettable that our party has not adhered to the provisions of its own constitution, which would have nipped in the bud many unresolved issues,” they stated.
They contended that the party should return to constitutional supremacy.
While acknowledging that the internal disagreements have remained unresolved, the ex-officio members praised the efforts of the PDP Governors’ Forum, led by Senator Bala Mohammed, Governor of Bauchi State.
“Through the firm and sterling leadership qualities of His Excellency, Senator Bala Mohammed, the PDP Governors’ Forum has not only provided the needed direction but has indeed lived up to expectations,” they stated.
They also threw their weight behind ongoing peace initiatives aimed at restoring the party’s unity and strength.
They strongly made a case for the party to remain a credible alternative to the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, as the PDP continues to position itself for future elections.
“Nigerians still believe that PDP is the only viable alternative to the failed Tinubu-led APC administration,” the Ex-Officio members declared.
