The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Executive Committee (NEC) has suspended discussions on the contentious national secretary position until June 30.
The party’s acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, made this announcement while reading the communique after the party’s 99th NEC meeting in Abuja.
Damagum said that NEC received the resolution of the South-East General Executive regarding the national secretary position.
He however, said that the meeting agreed to consider and deliberate on the issue at the next NEC meeting slated for June 30.
The PDP South-East Zonal Executive Committee had nominated former National Youth Leader, Sunday Udeh-Okoye, as the party’s National Secretary to replace Senator Samuel Anyanwu.
The PDP has been embroiled in a leadership crisis over the rightful occupier of the office of the national secretary, with Anyanwu and Udey-Okoye laying claim to the office.
Damagum also announced the composition of the committee on the zoning of national offices and the National Convention Committee.
Damagum said that NEC also received and ratified the composition of the committee on the zoning of national offices, ahead of the party’s national convention.
Members of the zoning committee, according to him, are Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa (Chairman), Gôvernor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara (Vice Chairman) and Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau (Secretary).
Damagum also named members of the National Convention Committee to include Governor Ahmadu Fintiri (Chairman), Governor Ademola Adeleke (Vice Chairman) and Governor Peter Mbah (Secretary).
He said that NEC thoroughly examined the state of affairs in the nation and within the party.
Damagum expressed concern over security challenges, including banditry, kidnapping, and attacks on communities in various parts of the country.
He also lamented the economic hardship and poverty level occasioned by the hike in fuel prices, increase in electricity tariffs, and multiple taxes.
The acting national chairman called on the President Bola Tinubu-led administration to take practical steps toward addressing the insecurity and economic situation of the country.
Damagum reaffirmed the party’s commitment to democracy, rule of law, and the supremacy of the will of the people.
He noted that the successful convening of the NEC meeting was a clear demonstration of the party’s unity and focus, despite challenges.
Damagum reassured Nigerians that PDP remained strong, resilient, united, and determined to lead the charge to rescue Nigeria.
Earlier in his opening remarks, Damagum commended party leaders for holding the meeting despite challenges.
He noted that about three more NEC meetings would be held before the party’s national convention to enable it to sort out most of the contentious issues.
Damagum expressed confidence in the party’s internal mechanism to surmount obstacles and solve its problems.
