Amid escalating internal tensions within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the Conference of National Ex-Officio members has warned that only the convocation of an emergency National Executive Council (NEC) meeting, scheduled for October 24, 2024, can avert a looming implosion in the party.
The warning follows what the group describes as a growing crisis among the party’s top leadership, stressing that failure to act could lead to dire consequences. They have also expressed support for the peace efforts initiated by the PDP Governors’ Forum, led by Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed.
In a statement signed by Dr. Yunana Ilya (North-Central), Dr. Nicholas Msheliza (North-East), Chief Madumere Chinemerem (South-East), Chief Patrick Agbe (South-South), Chief Faboyede Clement (South-West), and Alhaji Ibrahim Alhaji (North-West), the ex-officio members voiced deep concern over the state of affairs in the PDP. They highlighted what they termed a “dangerous turn of events” that threatens to destabilize the party.
The statement read: “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 October 24, 2024, holds.”
The group emphasized that the meeting would provide a platform for aggrieved members to voice their concerns and seek resolutions. They expressed dismay over the recent developments within the party’s leadership, stating that such events could shake the very foundation of the PDP.
Furthermore, they pointed out that the PDP constitution mandates the NEC to meet at least once every quarter and lamented the party’s failure to adhere to this provision. While acknowledging that internal disagreements remain unresolved, they praised the ongoing efforts of the PDP Governors’ Forum, led by Senator Bala Mohammed.