Members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Working Committee (NWC) have expressed strong discontent with the decision to further postpone the party’s 99th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, now rescheduled for October 24. This move follows an initial postponement from August 15 to September 26, reportedly due to members’ travel for pilgrimage.
The latest rescheduling has sparked criticism among some PDP chieftains who argue that the delay undermines the party’s efforts to address pressing internal issues. The postponement was explained by the PDP leadership as necessary to allow for the completion of congress reports from eight states, a reason dismissed by critics as inadequate.
In a statement issued on September 16, PDP National Secretary Senator Samuel Anyanwu outlined that the NEC meeting was pushed back to ensure that comprehensive congress reports from Abia, Ebonyi, Benue, Ekiti, Kano, Kaduna, Nasarawa, Niger, Ogun, and Sokoto states could be presented. He cited ongoing congresses and litigation as factors contributing to the delay.
“The postponement to October 24 became imperative to ensure all congress reports are complete for presentation to the NEC,” Anyanwu said. “Without these reports, the NEC meeting cannot proceed as planned.”
However, dissatisfaction with the postponement has been vocal among party members. A senior NWC member, speaking on condition of anonymity, criticized the move as serving specific interests rather than the party’s broader goals. The source questioned the feasibility of resolving all litigation within a month and suggested that further delays could be anticipated.
“This latest postponement did not sit well with our members,” the senior NWC member said. “The delay seems to be more about protecting certain interests rather than addressing the broader needs of the party. If litigation persists, what then? The appropriate approach would have been to hold the meeting and update the NEC on the situation.”
PDP Deputy National Youth Leader Timothy Osadolor also voiced opposition to the rescheduling. While acknowledging the legitimacy of the reasons for the delay, Osadolor argued that the postponement was being used to frustrate party members and hinder progress.
“The reasons for this postponement are largely valid,” Osadolor admitted. “However, it appears to be an intentional move to delay addressing critical issues within the party. We need to resolve these issues urgently to ensure the party can move forward.”
The rescheduled NEC meeting is expected to tackle significant matters, including the replacement of the PDP acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum. The ongoing delays have highlighted underlying tensions and challenges within the party, underscoring the urgent need for resolution and strategic planning as the PDP navigates its internal struggles.
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