PDP Warns Members Against Illegalities Ahead of NEC Meeting Today

As the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) prepares for its National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting scheduled for today (Thursday), governors elected on the party’s platform have issued a stern warning against engaging in illegal activities.

The focus of today’s NEC meeting revolves around the status of the acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, with discussions slated to determine whether he should retain his position or be replaced.

Damagum assumed the role of acting National Chairman following the suspension of the party’s former National Chairman, Iyorchia Ayu, by a court in Benue State in March last year. The court’s decision came in response to a lawsuit filed by Terhide Utaan, a PDP member from the Igyorov ward of Gboko Local Government Area in Benue State, following a vote of no confidence passed against Ayu by the party executive in the ward.

Amidst this, tensions within the party have escalated, with differing opinions emerging regarding Damagum’s leadership and the need for a substantive chairman from the North Central region, where Ayu hails from.

Earlier in the week, 60 members of the House of Representatives called for Damagum’s removal and advocated for the appointment of a substantive chairman from the North Central. However, the House minority caucus, led by Kingsley Chinda, distanced itself from this group, labelling it as an unrecognized entity within the parliament.

PDP governors have issued a caution to party members, urging them to refrain from engaging in any form of illegality or misconduct. The governors emphasized the importance of upholding the party’s principles and adhering to due process in all proceedings, particularly during today’s crucial NEC meeting.