PDP in turmoil as factions clash over NEC meeting date

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is embroiled in a deepening crisis as two factions of the National Working Committee (NWC) clash over the 100th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting date.

The acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum’s faction, claims the meeting has been postponed, while Deputy National Chairman (South), Taofeek Arapaja’s group insists it will hold as planned on Monday, June 30.

Arapaja, flanked by eight NWC members, confirmed the NEC meeting would receive updates from the zoning and convention organizing committees. “According to Section 31(3) of the PDP Constitution (2017 amendment), the June 30 meeting date is binding on all party organs and members,” he said.

He emphasized that no organ, group, or officer can alter, veto, or reschedule the already convened NEC meeting .

Arapaja dismissed a social media notice claiming the NEC meeting had been converted into a Special Expanded National Caucus meeting, calling it “fake” and not coming from the PDP.

“The PDP Constitution has no provision for an ‘Expanded National Caucus’ or any related guidelines,” he added.

Meanwhile, the Damagum faction announced an expanded caucus meeting for Monday at 2 p.m., inviting national caucus statutory members, deputy national officers, Board of Trustees members, and state chairpersons.

This move has sparked uncertainty over the party’s future, with some members expressing concerns over the implications of holding rival meetings.