Governors elected under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) platform are set to convene on Saturday in Jos, Plateau State, for a crucial meeting aimed at addressing internal disputes and evaluating national issues.
This gathering will serve as a preparatory session for the party’s 99th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting scheduled for November 28, 2024. According to a senior PDP official who spoke anonymously, key party leaders, including acting National Chairman Umar Damagum, National Secretary Sam Anyanwu, and National Legal Adviser Kamaldeen Ajibade (SAN), have been invited to the meeting.
The party’s previous NEC meeting, held on April 18, 2024, resulted in several critical resolutions, such as forming a reconciliation and disciplinary committee, holding ward and state congresses, and delegating the North Central caucus to discuss the national chairmanship position. However, internal divisions have stalled progress, causing repeated delays of the 99th NEC meeting, initially slated for August 15.
The PDP has faced mounting challenges since its defeat in the 2023 general elections, compounded by losses in the Edo and Ondo governorship polls to the All Progressives Congress (APC). These setbacks have intensified calls for leadership reforms, with some governors and members advocating for Damagum to step down in favor of new leadership to reinvigorate the party.
However, Damagum retains the backing of a faction aligned with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, who supports him completing the term of the ousted national chairman, Iyorchia Ayu.
A PDP insider hinted at the significance of Saturday’s meeting, stating it would lay the groundwork for the upcoming NEC session and shape the party's direction.
“The governors’ meeting in Jos will determine if the NEC will proceed as scheduled and set the tone for the gathering,” the insider revealed. “They will also discuss strategies for addressing off-cycle elections, including the party’s losses in Edo and Ondo, while reviewing other pressing national matters.”
