The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is facing a severe internal crisis as two factions of the National Working Committee (NWC) have emerged with conflicting views on the party’s 100th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting.
The acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum’s faction, has announced that the NEC meeting has been postponed, while the Deputy National Chairman (South), Taofeek Arapaja’s faction, insists that the meeting will hold as scheduled on Monday, June 30.
Speaking at a press conference with eight NWC members on Sunday, Arapaja confirmed the NEC meeting would hold as planned on Monday, June 30.
Arapaja emphasised that altering the meeting date was unconstitutional and that no organ, group, or officer has the authority to veto or reschedule the already convened NEC meeting.
He dismissed a social media notice claiming the NEC meeting had been converted into a Special Expanded National Caucus meeting, saying that the PDP Constitution has no provision for such a meeting.
Present at the press conference were acting National Secretary, Setonji Koshoedo, and National Auditor, Okechukwu Daniel, among others.
Others included Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, Financial Secretary, Woyengikuro Daniel, and Woman Leader, Amina Darasimi Bryhm.
Also in attendance were South East Vice Chairman, Ali Odefa, South South Caretaker Chair, Emmanuel Ogidi, and South West Vice Chair, Ajisafe Kamoru Toyese
Meanwhile, the Damagum faction has announced an expanded caucus meeting for Monday at 2 p.m., inviting national caucus statutory members, deputy national officers, Board of Trustees members, and all state chairpersons.
Arapaja’s group, however, maintained that the NEC meeting would proceed as scheduled, with the party’s internal democracy and adherence to the rule of law being paramount.
The crisis highlighted a deepening rift within the PDP, with both factions vying for control and legitimacy.
