PDP NEC meeting braces for high stakes drama as factional rifts threaten to overshadow proceedings

The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has thrown its support behind the party’s acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, ahead of the upcoming National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting scheduled for Thursday.

The decision to pass a vote of confidence on Damagum was announced by Debo Ologunagba, the National Publicity Secretary of the party, following the NWC’s 584th meeting held at the party’s National Secretariat on Tuesday, April 16, 2024.

According to Ologunagba, the vote of confidence is a testament to Damagum’s efforts in stabilizing and repositioning the PDP as Nigeria’s primary opposition party.

Presided over by Deputy National Chairman (South) Amb. Taofeek Arapaja, the motion for the vote of confidence was moved by National Vice Chairman (South East) Chief Ali Odefa and seconded by National Treasurer Yayari Mohammed.

While reaffirming its commitment to the party’s stability and success, the NWC’s decision comes amid internal tensions within the PDP, particularly concerning the leadership succession.

AThe emergence of Damagum as acting National Chairman has sparked controversy, notably within the North Central geopolitical zone, which insists on completing the tenure of suspended Chairman Iyorchia Ayu.

Despite Damagum’s endorsement by a faction led by Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Nyesom Wike, efforts to pass a vote of confidence on Damagum by PDP legislators in the House of Representatives were thwarted on Tuesday, underscoring the ongoing power struggles within the party.