NEC: Were aware of plot to destabilise our party, say PDP governors
•NWC gives Damagum confidence vote as Suswam, Agbo, others battle for chairmanship
From Ndubuisi Orji, Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, and Godwin Tsa, Abuja
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors Forum has said it was aware of plans by some persons to factionalise the party and take a part of it to form a coalition.
Chairman of the forum, Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, told newsmen after a meeting, in Abuja, yesterday, that the opposition governors would not allow anyone to destabilise the party.
He spoke as the former chairman of the party, Iyorchia Ayu, withdrew the suit challenging his sack.
The Bauchi governor said the forum was concerned about resolving all issues, so that congresses can be conducted in states, where the tenure of the executives have expired.
“We are talking about resolving all the issues and going forward, so that at the end of the day, the timeliness allowed in the constitution for congresses and what have you, would have been done.”
Amidst the tension, the PDP NWC has commended Damagum for stabilising the party.
The National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, in a statement, said the vote of confidence was based on Damagums efforts at repositioning the PDP as the main opposition party in Nigeria.
Damagum was appointed as the acting chairman following the suspension of the former chairman, Iyorcha Ayu, in 2023.
Responding to questions on the supremacy tussle in the party, she aid there were no contentions. and that the governors meeting was not convened to discuss change of leadership in the party.
“But certainly, the public are free to discuss and, of course, NEC will decide on some of these issues.There are no contending forces. Who is NEC? NEC is the PDP Governors Forum and other stakeholders, so we are just a portion of NEC. We cannot talk on behalf of NEC until we get there.
“NEC will take decisions on such issues, not the governors. I know the governors normally take leadership positions, but we have an acting person in leadership capacity leading the party; and NEC will decide whether it is time to fill the vacancy looking at the legal implications of doing that, knowing there are so many lingering litigations in court. And of course, we dont want to disparage ourselves, because we know there are some marauders hiding somewhere trying to factionalise our party and take one faction to go and do a coalition.
“We are not going to allow that as governors. We are very responsible and we are very credible and we make sure we resolve all the issues and unify the party for maximum efficiency and success in the next election.”
The forum, in a communique issued by the governors and read by the Bauchi governor, stated that the meeting, which was held at the Akwa Ibom Governors Lodge, discussed matters of interest to it and the PDP.
“The meeting reviewed recent developments in the Peoples Democratic Party and urged the National Working Committee to set in motion the machinery to conduct credible congresses in all the states where tenures of party officers have expired.
“The meeting noted that there are no factions in the PDP and everybody is working together. We equally want to use this opportunity to reaffirm that in Rivers State, the governors would work assiduously towards resolving all the issues in the state with a view to uniting all the stakeholders.
The meeting was attended by Siminalayi Fubara, Rivers State; Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, Adamawa State; Umo Eno, Akwa Ibom State; Douye Diri, Bayelsa State; Sheriff Oborevwori, Edo State deputy governor, Omobayo Godwins and his Enugu State counterpart, Ifeanyi Ossai.
Daily Sun gathered that Ayus decision to discontinue the suit has taken the sail off the plan by loyalists of the former governor of Rivers State, to push for the confirmation of Umar Damagum as substantive chairman at todays National Executive Council (NEC) meeting. Damagum took over as acting chairman. Those pushing for Damagum had argued that since Ayus case challenging his removal was pending, there was no need appointing a substantive national chairman.
In the run-up to the NEC meeting, loyalists of former vice president Atiku Abubakar and Wike have been engaged in supremacy tussle over which camp would produce the national chairman.
The Wike supporters, within and outside the NWC, are pushing for the confirmation of Damagun or in the alternative for him to be allowed to continue to act in that capacity, until after the off season elections in Edo and Ondo states.
On the flipside, Atikus camp is pushing for the appointment of a substantive national chairman from the North Central, where Ayu hails from in line with the PDP constitution.
The NEC, which is the second highest organ of the party, consists of the national chairman, members of the NWC and their deputies as well as the chairman and secretary of the Board of Trustees (BoT) and all former NWC members, who are still members of the party. Others are serving and former presidents and vice presidents, who are members of the party; serving and former governors, who are members of the party, founding members, past national chairmen, deputy national chairmen, national secretaries, BoT chairmen and secretaries and past past presiding officers of the National Assembly, who are members of the party.
The NEC also include principal officers of the National Assembly, who are members of the party, as well as 18 senators elected and 24 House of Representatives members elected on the platform of the PDP, all state chairmen and six ex-officio members, elected from each of the six geo-political zone, as well as all former principal of the National Assembly produced by the PDP, who are still members of the party.
•North Central insists on chairmanship
The North Central has insisted on producing the next national chairman.
Daily Sun gathered that leaders from the zone, at a meeting in Abuja, urged the party to respect its rules on the filing of vacant party offices.
Section 47(6) of the PDP Constitution( 2017) stipulates that: “Where a vacancy occurs in any of the offices of the party, the Executive Committee at the appropriate level shall appoint another person from the area or zone where the officer originated from to serve out the tenure.”
•Suswam, Agbo, Ombugadu, Abba, Saliu set for battle
So far, five aspirants have indicated interest in the position. They are Suswam (Benue), former PDP national secretary, Emmanuel Agbo (Benue), Humphrey Abba from Kogi, former deputy governor of Kogi State, Philip Saliu and former PDP governorship candidate in Nasarawa, David Ombugadu.
A member of NEC from the North Central told Daily Sun that the zone mandated the deputy national chairman from the zone, Theophilus Dakkas Shan, to convey its decision to NEC.
He explained that the motion to that effect, which was moved by Senator Tunde Ogbeha, was unanimously adopted by all leaders present.
“Consequently, the meeting directed the zonal chairman to go to NEC and insist that the North Central wants to take its slot in the NWC. You know Ayu has withdrawn his case from the court. So, there is a vacancy in the office of national chairman.”
The source listed those present at the meeting to include Senate Minority Leader, Abba Moro; former Niger State governor, Babangida Aliyu; former PDP national chairman, Ahmadu Ali; former Benue governor, Samuel Ortom, his predecessor, Gabriel Suswam, and former Senate minority leader, Philip Aduda,
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•Wike shows up at PDP National caucus
At press time, the national caucus was ongoing as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) , Nyesom Wike, was among party leaders attending a meeting at the Bauchi State Governors Lodge, in Asokoro.
Also in attendance was Atiku; former vice president, Namadi Sambo; former Jigawa governor, Sule Lamido amongst others.
• Dont fall for Wikes gimmick
Former party chairman, Uche Secondus, has sent out an advisory to party leaders assembling for the partys 98th NEC meeting to do everything humanly possible and within the law to rescue and restore the partys glory.
“The critical structures of this party, NEC, BoT, national caucus, forum of governors, chairmen of states and National Assembly caucus of the party must rise to the challenge and isolate mischief makers and meddlers like Wike and move the party forward.”
The former national chairman then charged the party leaders not to fall into Wikes trick by giving him undeserved relevance which he no longer possesses.
“I expect the founding fathers and other dedicated members to rise to the challenge and return this great party to its glory by ensuring as they always do at critical moments that nobody or group is greater or bigger than this party.
•Probe anti-party activities of Wike, others –Clark
Meanwhile, the leader of Southern and Middle Belt Leaders Forum (SMBLF), Edwin Clark, has called for the setting up of a Disciplinary Committee to probe the anti-party activities of Wike and others whose roles led to the failure of the party in the 2023 elections.
According to him, Wike is the greatest enemy of the PDP, manipulating it, with an intent to destroy it, adding that his anti party activities must be dealt with decisively, by setting up a strong disciplinary committee made up a strong people with resilience to resist pecuniary gains, those who are courageous to investigate his activities, and that of any other people who are suspected to engage in anti-party activities.
In a statement, the former Federal Commissioner for Information, also called for the immediate dissolution of the NWC for what he termed “anti-party activities.”
Clark in a statement titled, “As the National Working Committee, (NEC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) meets: A Poser- PDP: To be or not to be?”, advised that after the dissolution of the NWC, an Acting National Chairman should be appointed in accordance with the Constitution of the party, recalling that there was a precedence during the tenure of Secondus, who was still in court, when the party appointed another Acting National Chairman.
He advised the opposition party to immediately revisit the on-line registration of its members as initiated by the then National Chairman, Okwesilieze Nwodo, to save the party from depending on individuals, regretting that some of those he described as “overzealous members” have hijacked y he PDP for their selfish gains.
He also warned that if the former Vice President and the 2023 Presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar is made the candidate for 2027 elections, PDP will collapse as the second principal party in the country today.
“I know that many people who read this article will say to themselves that they thought Chief Edwin Clark said he has retired from active and partisan politics. Yes, I said I have resigned from partisan and active politics. But it was one of the famous philosophers Aristotle, who said “Man is by nature a political animal.” He added that because no human can flourish on their own, there is a natural tendency of man to partner with their fellow men.
“And one of these partnerships is that relating to polis, which is the Greek word for community; from where is derived political partnership. Therefore, for as long as Almighty God keeps me alive, both physically and mentally, I will continue to speak on governance and political matters, especially when it is tending to adversely affect our nation.
“The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was set up by leaders of like mind who assembled in the nations capital, Abuja, on 28th July, 1998, to work together “for the speedy restoration of democracy, achievement of national reconciliation”, amongst others. Some of us joined immediately the idea of such an egalitarian political party was enunciated, because we felt that was what our dear country needed and still needs.
“But what has happened today? Some overzealous members of the party have hijacked it for their selfish gains. Some of us have been shouting and warning against this. I recall that in order to avoid “money bags” taking over the party, instead of the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party, as provided by its Constitution, a one-time National Chairman of the party, Dr. Okwesilieze Nwodo, former Governor of Enugu State, during his tenure, proposed in accordance with the partys provisions, payment of membership dues by all members with which the party will be run.
“He condemned what he called “deep pockets” taking over the party when in his acceptance speech in 2010 stated “Needless to say, we need money to prosecute our elections but I can assure you that Ghana-Must-Go bags will not be needed at the National Secretariat of PDP in order to win primary elections. There will be no room for cash-and-carry democracy in the PDP because it is the bane of true democracy.
“My sincere advice to the members of the partys NWC which is composed of notable politicians, is that they should be courageous enough to: Set up a Disciplinary Committee to investigate the anti-party activities, particularly the roles played by some members which led to the failure of the PDP in the 2023 elections;
“To dissolve the existing NEC of the party for their anti-party activities;
“To appoint an Acting National Chairman in accordance with the Constitution of the party. This was what happened during the tenure of Uche Secondus, who was still in court, when the party appointed another Acting National Chairman;
“The party should immediately revisit the on-line registration of its members as it was initiated by the then National Chairman, Dr. Okwesilieze Nwodo, to save the party from depending on individuals, because as they say, he who pays the piper, dictates the tune.”
On Atikus candidacy in 2027, Clark said, “Rumours have it that Atiku is already preparing for the 2027 presidential election. If this is allowed, PDP will collapse as the second principal party in the country today. While no one is contesting his right of contesting or indicating interest for the presidency of the country as many times as he wishes, which as the last count is up to five times, he should also know that fair play is the bedrock of the game.
“Another person that also seems to be holding or going for the jugular of the PDP, is Barr. Nyesom Wike. Honestly, I lack words to describe his actions. The nearest description I can give for his actions is political androgynous, he is neither in PDP or APC. He seems simply acquisitive, and the greatest enemy of PDP, manipulating it, with an intent of destroying it.
“Most of us supported Barr. Wike in his agitation against Alhaji Atiku Abubakar. But he has gone too far in causing tragedy in PDP. His anti party activities must be dealt with decisively, by setting up a strong disciplinary committee made up a strong people with resilience to resist pecuniary gains, who are courageous to investigate his activities, and that of any other person/persons suspected to engage in anti-party activities. The seeming contest for the soul of the PDP between himself and Alhaji Atiku Abubakar is not only ridiculous but a negation of the ideals for founding the party.
“Even though Nyesom Wike, had a good case considering what transpired during the last presidential primary election of the PDP, he has crossed the red line. Today, he is dancing naked in the market. He regards himself as the leader of both the PDP and APC in Rivers State, and that is why I described him as someone who can be referred as a political androgynous; an acquisitive person. Wike used his influence on APC National Chairman, Alhaji Umar Ganduje, to set up a caretaker committee of the party in Rivers State under the leadership of Mr. Tony Okocha, a position he, Mr. Okocha, sees as an opportunity to deride, harass and attempt to humiliate an elected Executive Governor of the State, Siminalayi Fubara.
“The story is the same in PDP in the State; where Barr. Wike recently removed the State Chairman, and recommended him for a federal appointment. Now, with his control of PDP and APC in Rivers State, he has appointed some APC members as caretaker committee members of the party in Rivers State.
“Is Nyesom Wike only waiting for the appropriate time to destroy the PDP and become a full fledge member of the APC? It is alleged that it is the same Barr. Wike who sponsored the 27 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, to defect from the PDP to the APC, using the National Secretary of the Party, who was in court as the reason and that PDP has split.
“Even though these members in accordance with constitutional provisions have lost their seats in the House as a result of their defection to another party when there was no crisis in the party on which platform they were elected, Wike is retaining them with the support of Mr President, to the extent of threatening to impeach the Executive Governor, Siminalaye Fubara.
“I will, at this juncture, like to repeat the question I asked in the book I am writing on PDP, Whither PDP: to be or not to be?. The inordinate ambition of Their Excellencies Alhaji Atiku Abubakar and Barr, Nyesom Wike, to be president of the country, will kill the party. These two seem to prefer to use their personal funds to establish their leadership, not because of their love for the party. PDP wake up! This is a clarion call.
“It is true that for some time the party had no funds, particularly the time between Ahmed Makarfi and Ali Modu Sheriff. Nyesom Wike was the only Governor who financially supported the party. Again, in his usual manner, he insulted and humiliated the party. He dared them not to hold the party convention in Port Harcourt. The party kowtowed to him. Even after that, he continued to harass and intimidate the party. For instance, he sponsored Uche Secondus to be the national chairman of the party against the wishes of most other members. The same Barr. Wike later on instigated and sponsored the removal of Uche Secondus, two months before the partys National Convention.
“Barr. Wikes engagement in brash politics seems to be affecting members of the party including the partys Acting National Chairman, Amb. Umar Iliya Damagum and the National Secretary, who take instructions from Barr. Wike. Hence, the sixty members on the platform of the party in the House of Representatives, are calling for the resignation and or removal of the Acting National Chairman.”