PDP Trustees Criticize NWC Over Delays, Plan January Talks With Wike

By Onoja Baba, Abuja

Amid mounting internal turmoil, the Board of Trustees (BoT) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has issued a sharp rebuke to the National Working Committee (NWC) under acting National Chairman Umar Damagum for its repeated postponements of the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting.

Speaking at an emergency meeting in Abuja on Thursday, BoT Chairman Senator Adolphus Wabara expressed frustration over the continued delays, warning that they undermine party cohesion and erode the confidence of members.

In a bold move to foster reconciliation, the BoT announced plans to meet with former Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike in January 2025. Wike, a prominent party figure and former presidential aspirant, has been at the center of various intra-party tensions in recent years.

Since Senator Iyorchia Ayu’s court-ordered removal, Damagum has faced increasing calls to resign, with critics accusing him of failing to address the party’s growing challenges.

The 98th NEC meeting in April 2024 had approved several key resolutions, including the formation of a reconciliation committee and the nomination of a permanent National Chairman.

However, subsequent NEC meetings have been postponed multiple times, with the most recent delay leaving the meeting indefinitely suspended.

The PDP Governors Forum, led by Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, has now directed the NWC to ensure the NEC meeting holds no later than February 2025.

“This delay not only undermines trust but also hinders progress on critical party issues,” Wabara stated, urging the NWC to uphold its commitments.

Senator Wabara emphasised that the strength of the PDP lies in its unity, warning that prolonged delays and internal discord could worsen the party’s struggles.

“As custodians of the PDP’s conscience, we must ensure that personal ambitions do not overshadow our shared vision for a better Nigeria,” he said. “Our governors are pivotal to the party’s successes, and their collaboration is essential for progress.”

The BoT reaffirmed its commitment to holding the NWC accountable while calling for strict adherence to the party’s constitution.

On a broader scale, Wabara criticized the economic policies of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, accusing the government of worsening poverty through poorly implemented reforms.

“The skyrocketing cost of living has left millions of Nigerians in despair,” he said. “The PDP must present credible alternatives and stand as a voice for the suffering masses.”

To address the party’s internal divisions, the BoT will resume peace talks in January, starting with a visit to Nyesom Wike. The former governor has been a vocal critic of the PDP leadership and played a controversial role in the 2023 elections.

“The BoT will be relentless in seeking peace and unity,” Wabara declared.

Former National Publicity Secretary Kola Ologbondiyan commended the BoT’s resolutions, describing them as timely and patriotic.

“The decision to mandate the North Central Zone to nominate a replacement for Senator Ayu aligns with long-standing demands,” Ologbondiyan said. “This bold move reflects the BoT’s commitment to addressing the party’s challenges head-on.”

As the PDP navigates these turbulent times, the coming months will prove critical for its future as it seeks to restore unity and redefine its role in Nigeria’s political landscape.