Sources in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have claimed that rival factions plan to hold separate NEC and National Caucus meetings today (Monday) in Abuja.
According to the sources who spoke to Punch on the condition of anonymity, rival factions were actively mobilising and preparing to attend the separate meetings.
A reliable party source said the Board of Trustees was also scheduled to meet today amid the ongoing turmoil.
The aforementioned publication gathered that on Sunday afternoon in Wadata, acting National Chairman Umar Damagum, embattled National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, National Organising Secretary, Umar Bature, National Legal Adviser, Kamaldeen Ajibade (SAN), Vice Chairman (North West), Senator Bello Gwarzo, and two other members of the National Working Committee met and reaffirmed their position that an expanded National Caucus meeting should be held instead of the NEC.
In response on Sunday evening in Wadata Plaza, majority of the NWC members, including Deputy National Chairman (South) Taofeek Arapaja, National Vice Chairman (South East), Ali Odefa; South East Caretaker Chairman, Emmanuel Ogidi; National Woman Leader, Amina Darasimi; acting National Secretary, Setonji Koshoedo; National Auditor, Okechukwu Obiechin; National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba; National Financial Secretary, Woyengikuro Daniel; and National Vice Chairman (South West), Ajisafe Toyese, insisted that the NEC meeting would go ahead today with Koshoedo remaining as acting National Secretary.
The camps of Governor Seyi Makinde (Oyo), which includes Governors Peter Mbah (Enugu), Douye Diri (Bayelsa), Ademola Adeleke (Osun), Dauda Lawal (Zamfara), 11 members of the National Working Committee and other senior party figures, also insisted that the NEC meeting must take place today as originally scheduled. This group is also firmly against the return of Senator Samuel Anyanwu as the party’s National Secretary.
On the opposing side, the camp of former Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike, including Governors Caleb Muftwang (Plateau), Kefas Agbu (Taraba), Adamu Fintiri (Adamawa), Bala Mohammed (Bauchi), Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum, National Organising Secretary Umar Bature, and National Legal Adviser Kamaldeen Ajibade (SAN), are advocating for Anyanwu’s reinstatement and for the NEC meeting to be postponed.
In response, 11 out of 18 NWC members rejected Anyanwu’s reinstatement and reiterated their commitment to holding the NEC meeting on June 30 as scheduled.
The source, who belongs to Makinde’s camp, stated, “It is a matter of survival for the major opposition party in Nigeria. PDP is bigger than any individual, and the most supreme organ of the party after the National Convention is NEC. And the 99th NEC on May 27 scheduled the 100th NEC for June 30.
“As we speak, we have printed all necessary documents needed for accreditation. We have made all necessary preparations to ensure that tomorrow’s NEC meeting will be a success.
“We understand some people are making efforts to stall it, but we are ready to uphold our party’s constitution and ensure that the party survives, so no matter what, we are ready.
“So, in line with the 99th NEC schedule, we have sent out reminders and invitations to our people for the PDP 100th NEC. And only NEC members will be allowed access to the venue. Every other issue will be resolved there.”
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