PDP ramps up internal reforms as NEC, NWC, govs prepare for critical decisions
• Suswam accuses Damagum of poor leadership
• PDP condemns Ganduje’s ‘capture’ remarks, warns of resistance in Ondo
• Demands redeployment of REC over alleged bias ahead of election
• Ebonyi’s Nwoba confident in bid for publicity role, vows to challenge APC policies
Ahead of the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting scheduled for Thursday, the Olagunsoye Oyinlola-led Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Reconciliation Committee is set to brief the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) on its findings and potential recommendations.
This precedes a crucial meeting of the PDP Governors’ Forum (PDP-GF), scheduled for today.
The Reconciliation Committee convened at the NEC Hall of the PDP National Secretariat in Abuja yesterday to finalise its report, which will be presented to the Umar Damagum-led NWC.
The NWC will review the report before forwarding it to the NEC for ratification.
Speaking to reporters after a meeting with the PDP National Assembly Caucus that lasted over three hours, Oyinlola said, “As part of our assignment as members of the National Reconciliation Committee, we scheduled a meeting with members of the National Assembly to share their experiences and understand the reasons behind our party’s dwindling political fortunes.
“We’ve had useful discussions, and I believe we’ve gathered suggestions that will help unify our party and strengthen it. That’s what tonight’s discussions focused on.
“One clear observation is that for any party to enter a political contest and emerge victorious, it must be united. That’s what we’re striving for.”
On the forthcoming Ondo governorship election, Oyinlola stated, “The National Reconciliation Committee has toured the South-West, and the Ondo election was a key topic of discussion. We are currently refining our strategies.”
When asked who the committee is tasked with reconciling, he responded, “Anyone within the party who is in disagreement with another; those are the individuals we are working to reconcile.”
Addressing rumours about possible recommendations for suspensions within the party, Oyinlola said, “As far as we’re concerned, that’s just speculation for now. We’re meeting with the National Working Committee tomorrow, so after that, you can ask me again.”
The PDP-GF meeting is expected to deliberate on whether the NEC meeting will proceed as planned or if a new date will be set. The possible agenda for the NEC meeting will also be discussed.
This came as Senator Gabriel Suswam accused the PDP acting chairman, Damagum, of poor leadership and turning the party into a private business venture.
Speaking during an expanded caucus party meeting in Makurdi on Sunday, Suswam insisted that Damagum is not fit to lead the party.
“Damagum must go, whether they like it or not,” Suswam declared, expressing his frustration with the national leadership, which he accused of working to undermine the party. He vowed that some members would “vehemently resist” the actions of the current leadership.
Suswam, also contesting for the PDP chairmanship, further accused the Damagum-led NWC of colluding with former governor Samuel Ortom to hold what he described as a “kangaroo” ward and local council congresses in Benue State.
He questioned how delegates were selected for the state congress when no legitimate ward and local council congresses had taken place, calling the process a sham and asserting that it would not stand.
The former governor assured supporters that they were not short of ideas, stating they would seek a better and stronger alternative if current efforts to resolve the party’s issues failed.
The PDP in Benue State has been factionalised, with one faction loyal to former Rivers State governor Nyesom Wike, led by Samuel Ortom, and the other loyal to Atiku Abubakar, led by Suswam.
This division has resulted in two parallel state executive committees representing the rival factions.
Meanwhile, the PDP has condemned recent remarks by the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Ganduje, regarding the APC’s intent to “capture” Ondo State and, by extension, the entire South-West.
In a statement issued at the party’s National Secretariat in Abuja, PDP National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba criticised Ganduje’s comments, labelling them as reckless and threatening.
“What Ganduje said about the APC’s plans to ‘capture’ Ondo and the South-West is both alarming and inappropriate,” Ologunagba remarked. “The term ‘capture’ suggests a forceful takeover, and we will not tolerate any attempts to enslave us in our land.”
Ologunagba emphasised that the South-West has long been a bastion of opposition and democracy, expressing concern over Ganduje’s remarks during his recent visit to Ondo State.
“History has shown that attempts to impose control have led to significant unrest,” he noted.
“The ‘wetie’ crisis of the 1960s and the National Party of Nigeria’s (NPN) attempt to impose Akin Omoboriowo as governor in 1983 are reminders of what happens when the will of the people is disregarded. Any attempt by the APC to impose itself on the people of Ondo State will be met with firm resistance.”
The PDP also reiterated a call by Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde for the redeployment of the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Ondo State.
Ologunagba accused the Ondo REC of colluding with APC leaders and exhibiting clear partisan bias.
The PDP warned that any efforts to manipulate the electoral process in Ondo State would not be taken lightly and urged vigilance in ensuring a fair and transparent election.
In a related development, Comrade Chika Nwoba, a social media influencer and blogger from Ebonyi State, has declared his intention to contest for the position of PDP National Publicity Secretary as the party prepares to revamp its leadership.
Nwoba, speaking during a meeting with journalists on Sunday, highlighted his extensive experience as a two-term Publicity Secretary and Director of Media for the Ebonyi State chapter of the PDP, asserting that his background sets him apart from other contenders.
“I have been a member of the PDP since 2014 and have served in leadership roles within the Ebonyi PDP with a solid track record. I’m the first and only Director of Publicity in the Ebonyi PDP chapter.
“I was later elected as Publicity Secretary of the party and subsequently appointed caretaker Publicity Secretary, a position I held until the leadership structure was dissolved by the court three months ago,” Nwoba said.
He further noted his role as Director of Publicity for the PDP Presidential Campaign Council in Ebonyi during the 2023 elections and his appointment as Director of New Media for the Ebonyi State governorship election campaign.
“I have been a voice for the opposition and the people of Ebonyi for eight years and counting. I am a new media expert and a political activist of note in Ebonyi State,” he added.
Nwoba expressed confidence in using his media expertise to enhance the PDP’s image if elected National Publicity Secretary, whether in a caretaker or elected capacity.
“If given the opportunity, I will deploy my knowledge in media and ideological defence to project the party’s values. I have remained steadfast in my commitment to PDP ideologies and the advancement of democratic principles,” he said.
He also pledged to work closely with the party’s leadership to develop strategies that would unify members and promote the party’s democratic ideals.
“I will work collaboratively with the chairman and other key figures in the party to fine-tune mechanisms for advancing democracy and unifying members at all levels,” he promised.
Nwoba emphasised his intention to maintain strong ties with the media to boost the PDP’s public image and pledged to hold the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) accountable for policies he described as detrimental to the country’s economy and people.
“As someone who opposes undemocratic ideals, I will use my office to give voice to the Nigerian people and regularly critique the APC’s policies, which have caused economic hardship,” he said.
He concluded by highlighting his youthful energy and experience, stating that he would engage civil society groups and activists to further the push for democratic governance, which, in turn, would benefit the PDP.
Get the latest news delivered straight to your inbox every day of the week. Stay informed with the Guardian’s leading coverage of Nigerian and world news, business, technology and sports.
0 Comments
We will review and take appropriate action.