The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has announced the postponement of its National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, originally scheduled for Thursday, October 24, 2024. The meeting will now take place on November 28, 2024, as the party shifts focus to the Ondo State governorship election slated for November 16, 2024.
The decision was revealed in a communiqué issued by the PDP Governors’ Forum, led by Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, following a consultative session with party organs. The extended meeting, held at the Bauchi State Governor’s Lodge in Asokoro, Abuja, included members of the National Working Committee (NWC), National Assembly leaders, and the Forum of former PDP governors.
The communiqué stated, “The NEC meeting has been rescheduled to ensure the party focuses on strategizing and mobilizing for the upcoming Ondo gubernatorial election, with the goal of unseating the struggling All Progressives Congress (APC) administration in the state.”
The postponement aims to unify the party ahead of the crucial election. The PDP urged members to avoid divisive remarks and remain united in preparation for the 2027 general elections.
Governor Mohammed publicly recognized the leadership of Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum during the meeting. His support for Damagum came amid internal tensions, including a faction loyal to Mohammed seeking a court order to block the NEC meeting and challenging Damagum’s position.
Despite the ongoing legal disputes, the forum showed unity at the gathering, with five PDP governors in attendance: Bala Mohammed (Bauchi), Ademola Adeleke (Osun), Dauda Lawal (Zamfara), Siminalayi Fubara (Rivers), and Caleb Muftwang (Plateau).
In his remarks, Governor Mohammed emphasized the need for unity, stating, “We will resist any attempt to turn Nigeria into a one-party state. Today, we stand united under Umar Damagum’s leadership and are focused on providing Nigerians with a strong alternative to the ruling party.”
This move follows the efforts of the Olagunsoye Oyinlola-led Reconciliation Committee, which recently resolved internal disputes within the PDP’s NWC, allowing the party to strengthen its position ahead of future elections.
