The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) remains mired in uncertainty after its National Caucus meeting on Monday ended without a clear resolution. Despite nearly three hours of closed-door discussions in Abuja, party leaders were unable to reach consensus on how to move forward, particularly regarding the long-stalled National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting.
Fresh Talks, Old Divisions
Acting PDP National Chairman Umar Damagum, speaking alongside the party’s governors, told reporters that deliberations would continue Tuesday at 10 a.m. The decision followed a tense session attended by key party figures, though notable absentees included former Vice Presidents Atiku Abubakar and Namadi Sambo, as well as other senior PDP stalwarts.
The meeting was initially set to lay groundwork for the PDP’s 99th NEC meeting, which has been repeatedly postponed amid mounting internal disputes. The party, Africa’s former largest political movement, has struggled with ongoing unrest both before and after the 2023 elections.
Persistent Party Challenges
At the core of the crisis are unresolved issues such as the Rivers State leadership tussle, South South Zonal Congress disputes, and the controversy surrounding the office of National Secretary. Recent developments—like the North Central Zonal Congress crisis and multiple high-profile defections—have further destabilized party ranks.
Governors and influential figures, including Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike, have voiced anger over decisions made by the National Working Committee (NWC) and the Governors’ Forum. These decisions, shaped largely by governors from Oyo, Enugu, and Bauchi states, have been criticized for undermining the influence of others, notably Wike.
Efforts by the NWC, Board of Trustees (BoT), NEC, and Governors’ Forum to broker peace have so far proven unsuccessful, with divisions now cutting across several states and geopolitical zones.
Deadlock and Deferred Decisions
Following the inconclusive meeting, a seven-member peace committee led by former Senate President Bukola Saraki was tasked to meet with key party leaders and report back by Tuesday morning. The outcome will determine whether the NEC meeting will finally hold or be postponed yet again.
In a sign of how deeply the crisis has affected party operations, the PDP National Secretariat in Abuja was sealed on Monday afternoon over unpaid ground rent, forcing a relocation of the BoT meeting. That meeting ultimately did not take place.
“The meeting is going to continue. We just set up a small committee that would give us a report and tomorrow morning, we’ll continue,” Damagum told reporters, declining to confirm whether the NEC meeting would proceed as planned.
High Stakes and Party Defections
The stakes for PDP could not be higher. Once dominant in national politics, the party has lost several prominent members in the federal parliament and recently suffered the dramatic defection of former vice presidential candidate Ifeanyi Okowa, Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, and the entire Delta PDP structure to the ruling APC.
Analysts warn that continued defections and infighting may leave the PDP at a significant disadvantage in the run-up to the 2027 general elections, while critics say Nigeria risks drifting towards one-party dominance.
Structural and Leadership Challenges
The crisis has also impacted the party’s organizational backbone. Many state and zonal chapters are in disarray, the National Working Committee is deeply divided, and the terms of numerous BoT members have lapsed, further weakening internal checks and balances.
With less than two years to the next general election, the PDP faces one of the most challenging periods in its history. As leaders reconvene to seek a path forward, the future of Nigeria’s main opposition party hangs in the balance.
Stay with Glide News for real-time updates as this story develops.
0 Comments