The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governors will convene in Jos, Plateau State, on Saturday to discuss the party’s internal matters and the current state of the nation.
This meeting precedes the 99th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting scheduled for November 28.
The gathering aims to establish the tone and agenda for the 99th NEC meeting, deciding whether it will proceed as planned. Key discussions will focus on:
– The future of acting National Chairman Umar Damagum
– Off-cycle elections, including the lost Edo and Ondo governorship elections
– Various national issues
The party has been grappling with internal disputes since the 2023 general election loss. Some members, including governors, demand Damagum’s resignation to pave the way for new leadership. Others, loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, advocate for Damagum’s completion of the remaining term of sacked national chairman Iyorchia Ayu.
The National Working Committee (NWC) met with state chairpersons at the party’s headquarters, addressing concerns and reaffirming support for Damagum. Interim Chairman of the PDP Forum of State Chairmen, Austin Nwachukwu, emphasized that the party is emerging stronger, dismissing claims of crisis as “cosmetic”.
Nwachukwu noted, “You know the elections that the ruling party conducts now. You know what they do. We want to clear the erroneous impressions that the fortunes of the party are diminishing each day. It is not. It is rather looking stronger into the new dispensation.”
The outcome of the governors’ meeting will significantly influence the party’s direction ahead of the 2027 general elections.
