The national leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has convened a crucial meeting in Abuja, bringing together more than 180 key members, including former national chairmen, former governors, and former Senate Presidents. However, the incumbent governors were not invited to this select committee meeting of the National Working Committee (NWC). The meeting, which will take place at the party’s national secretary in Abuja, aims to address significant issues concerning the party’s future, according to Hon. Umar M. Bature, the national organizing secretary of PDP.
Prominent figures invited to the meeting include PDP’s presidential candidate in the last election, Atiku Abubakar, the vice presidential candidate Sen Ifeanyi Okowa, former Rivers State governor Nyesom Wike, PDP Board of Trustees (BoT) chairman and former Senate President Sen Adolphus Wabara, former Senate Presidents David Mark and Abubakar Bukola Saraki, Maj. Gen. David Jemibwon, Alh Adamu Maina Waziri, Prof Jerry Gana, Prince Uche Secondus, Sen Ahmed Makarfi, Alh Shuaibu Oyedokun, Sen Stella Omu, and Hajiya Maryam Inna Ciroma, among others.
While the exact agenda of the meeting has not been disclosed by the party leadership, there are indications of a division within the party between factions loyal to Atiku Abubakar and Nyesom Wike. This division became apparent during the last presidential election and was further highlighted in the recent National Assembly leadership election.
A reliable source within the party, speaking anonymously, expressed the need for a deep and sincere conversation within the party, as it is evident that all is not well. As the major opposition platform in Nigeria, the source emphasized the urgency for party leaders to take swift action to maintain their relevance in the minds of the Nigerian people. The challenges ahead are significant, but the party’s survival depends on addressing them effectively.
Today’s meeting marks the third major gathering of party leaders since the general election, where the party’s presidential candidate is still contesting the results. Previous meetings took place at a retreat in Bauchi State and an event in Abuja honoring outgoing governors and former chairmen of the party’s governors forum. Notably, Wike was absent from both meetings, which were attended by Atiku Abubakar.