The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Board of Trustees (BoT) has called on stakeholders from the North Central geopolitical zone to urgently nominate a new national chairman to replace Senator Iyorchia Ayu.
This was reached at its meeting on Thursday at the national secretariat Abuja in a decisive move aimed at steering the main opposition party back on course.
This resolution, which was among a series of directives issued during an emergency meeting came amid growing concerns over the state of the party.
Reading the communique, Senator Adolphus Wabara, Chairman of the BoT, outlined the deep concerns of the party’s leadership over ongoing internal discord and the delayed resolution of key organizational issues.
The BoT expressed “deep worry” over the state of the PDP, particularly regarding the administration and decision-making processes of the National Working Committee (NWC). It urged the NWC to immediately take steps to restore internal harmony, unity, and public confidence by adhering strictly to the PDP Constitution, including zoning NWC offices to the country’s geopolitical zones.
“We demand that the NWC respect the constitution and principles of the party, which have been the bedrock of our success in the past,” the BoT statement read.
The BoT also decried the repeated postponement of the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, describing it as a betrayal of trust among party members.
The committee insisted that the NEC meeting, now scheduled for February 2025, must not be delayed further, warning that any additional postponement could “exacerbate existing challenges and spell doom for our party.”
“The NWC must show leadership by convening this critical meeting as planned. It is not only a matter of fulfilling a promise but also a necessary step to resolve pressing issues and chart a clear path forward for the PDP,” the BoT stressed.
A major highlight of the BoT’s resolutions was its directive to North Central stakeholders to convene immediately and nominate a replacement for former National Chairman Senator Iyorchia Ayu.
Even though Ambassador Iliya Damagun, the National Deputy Chairman (North) has been acting as the national chairman, Ayu’s removal has left a leadership vacuum that has further deepened divisions within the party.
The party constitution prescribes that where vacancy exists in the office of a national officer, someone from the zone should replace the officer.
Whereas Ayu is from the North Central, Damagun is from the North East.
The BoT emphasized that unity among the party’s organs and adherence to democratic principles were non-negotiable.
“Our strength lies in collective resolve, not in individual pursuits,” the communique stated, urging leaders to set aside personal ambitions for the greater good.
Beyond internal party matters, the BoT turned its focus to national issues, condemning what it described as the “harsh economic policies” of the Tinubu administration.
It lamented the skyrocketing cost of living and increasing poverty levels, blaming the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) for its “insensitivity, profligacy, and corruption.”
“The PDP stands firmly with Nigerians in these trying times and demands that the Tinubu administration reviews all anti-people policies and ensures the effective management of national resources for the benefit of all,” the BoT declared.
As the PDP faces mounting challenges both internally and externally, the BoT reaffirmed its commitment to reconciliation and harmony within the party.
“The search for true unity must take precedence over personal differences. We cannot let ambition or division overshadow our vision for a better Nigeria,” the communique concluded.
Declaring the meeting open earlier,
Senator Wabara expressed profound regret over the NWC’s failure to convene a NEC meeting as previously scheduled.
He underscored the necessity of this meeting for resolving internal party issues and planning for future electoral engagements.
Wabara’s address painted a picture of a party at a crossroads, needing to reaffirm its commitment to democratic principles and internal cohesion.
“It is with a deep sense of disappointment that I must express the Board’s dismay at the continued shifting by the NWC in convening a NEC meeting,” he stated, highlighting the critical role of the NEC as a platform for decision-making and unity within the party.
The BoT Chairman criticized the delay not only as a breach of trust but also as a potential catalyst for discord within the PDP.
He emphasized the importance of adhering to the party’s constitution and the timelines set for such meetings.
“We expect that the NWC would honour its word and convene the NEC meeting as scheduled,” Wabara remarked, urging the NWC to demonstrate leadership by ensuring that the next meeting, planned for February next year, goes ahead without further postponements.
Turning to national issues, Wabara did not shy away from critiquing the current administration under President Bola Tinubu.
He pointed out the economic hardships inflicted by what he described as “harsh economic policies,” leading to widespread suffering among Nigerians.
“The skyrocketing cost of living, coupled with poorly implemented economic reforms, has pushed millions into deeper poverty,” he noted, calling on the PDP to offer credible alternatives and amplify the plight of the populace.
He called for a concerted effort among PDP governors to work together, emphasizing that the party’s strength lies in its unity.
“We cannot afford to let personal ambitions or differences overshadow our shared vision for a better Nigeria,” he insisted, promoting dialogue and collaboration.
In a move towards reconciliation, Wabara announced the BoT’s intention to revisit former Governor Nyesom Wike in the new year, aiming to mend fences and foster lasting peace within the party.
This gesture indicates a proactive approach by the BoT to address internal rifts that could undermine the PDP’s effectiveness in the upcoming political seasons.
As the festive season approaches, Wabara extended Christmas wishes, hoping the spirit of the season would inspire a renewed commitment to the party’s values of fairness, equity, and prosperity.
He made a call to action saying: “Let us use this season to rekindle the values of love, unity, and sacrifice that Christmas embodies.”
He concluded with a rallying cry for all PDP members to work towards a stronger, more united party, capable of addressing both internal challenges and the broader national issues at hand.
Reacting to the BoT’s resolution, former PDP National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan, commended the board for mandating the North Central geo-political zone of the party to nominate a replacement for Senator Ayu.
Noting it is timely and patriotic, he said in a statement that the decision aligns with the demand of the North Central Zone which has consistently agitated that the Acting National Chairman, Ambassador Umar Ilyasu Damagum, revert to his elected position as Deputy National Chairman and allow the North Central to produce a successor.
“This bold and courageous decision of the BoT must be commended by the rank and file of the party,” the party’s former megaphone stated.
