PDP Governors Give Damagum, NWC Deadline to Convene NEC Meeting by February

• PDP governors have directed the National Working Committee to convene a National Executive Committee meeting by February 2025 to address internal issues
• The governors criticized the APC-led Federal Government’s economic policies, urging President Tinubu to prioritize citizens’ welfare amid rising hardship

Governors elected under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have issued a strong directive to the Umar Damagum-led National Working Committee (NWC) to convene a National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting by February 2025.

The call comes amid growing concerns over the delay in addressing key issues within the party, including appointing a substantive National Chairman to replace the suspended Iyorchia Ayu.

The NEC meeting, originally scheduled for August, has been postponed multiple times, with the latest date, November 28, indefinitely deferred.

Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, who chairs the PDP Governors’ Forum, addressed journalists after their meeting. He emphasized the party’s commitment to unity and resolving its internal challenges.

“The Forum acknowledges the concerns of Nigerians, PDP founding fathers, and members over perceived divisions within the party. We remain determined to ensure unity and cohesion in this great party that Nigerians trust for democratic governance,” Mohammed stated.

He explained that the latest NEC postponement was accepted out of empathy for Governor Umo Eno, whose late wife’s burial coincided with the previously scheduled date. However, the governors insist that the NWC convene the NEC by early February.

“The NWC is strongly advised to call for the NEC meeting by the first week of February 2025. This period will allow for consultations with critical stakeholders and address leadership and litigation challenges,” Mohammed added.

The governors also criticized the economic policies of the APC-led Federal Government, describing them as oppressive and worsening the hardship faced by Nigerians. They urged President Bola Tinubu to review macroeconomic and fiscal policies to prioritize citizens’ welfare.

The Forum pledged that PDP governors would continue implementing policies to reduce hardship and foster development in their states.

They also expressed concerns over the recent APC governorship elections in Edo and Ondo and urged the judiciary to uphold democratic principles.

The PDP Governors’ Forum remains committed to restoring the party’s unity and ensuring it continues to provide a credible platform for governance.