LAGOS – Some Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Working Committee members have criticized the extended delay of the party’s 99th National Executive Committee (NEC) session to October 24.
According to the party leaders, the shift of the NEC gathering from September 26 to October 24 is seen as a deliberate attempt to undermine the party’s discussions on critical matters.
Initially set for August 15, the PDP’s 99th NEC meeting, focusing on issues like the replacement of the acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, was first moved to September 26 due to members traveling for pilgrimage.
It is later revealed on September 13 that the meeting was rescheduled once more to October 24.
The party’s leadership, in a document seen by our correspondent, stated that the delay was necessary due to unresolved congresses in eight states.
However, the party chieftains who spoke to our correspondent rejected this explanation for the NEC meeting postponement.
In a document dated September 16, PDP National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, clarified that the NEC meeting was rescheduled to October 24 to ensure that the congress reports from the eight states were finalized and ready for presentation as required.
The PDP National Secretary mentioned that congresses in Abia and Ebonyi are pending, while ongoing congresses are being held in Benue, Ekiti, Kano, Kaduna, Nasarawa, Niger, Ogun, and Sokoto.
The statement highlighted reasons like litigation and logistical challenges for the delays.
Advertisement
Without completing these congresses, the reports wouldn’t be ready for the NEC within the initial timeframe.
The NWC member, who chose to remain anonymous, revealed that many members were unhappy with the recent rescheduling, suggesting it was done to favor specific interests over the party’s broader concerns.
The source criticized the decision to postpone the NEC meeting to October 24, stating that members were ready for the September 26 meeting to address critical party issues.
The source questioned the reason given for the postponement, citing doubts about resolving litigation in just a month and expressing concerns about potential further delays if the litigation persists.
The source proposed that updating the NEC on the situation and proceeding with the meeting would have been a more appropriate approach.
The PDP Deputy National Youth Leader, Timothy Osadolor, also voiced his disapproval of the postponement.
Osadolor acknowledged the validity of the reasons for the delay but believed it was a deliberate move to hinder members.
He emphasized the importance of addressing all party issues promptly and expressed his opposition to further delaying the meeting.
Osadolor stressed the urgency for party leaders to come together, resolve issues, and move the party forward, highlighting the crucial role of the NEC in addressing these concerns.
