In a significant development, the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has decided to postpone discussions on the contentious national secretary position until June 30. This decision was announced by the party’s acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, after the 99th NEC meeting held in Abuja. The meeting received a resolution from the South-East General Executive regarding the national secretary position, but it was agreed that the issue would be considered and deliberated upon at the next NEC meeting.

The PDP has been embroiled in a leadership crisis over the rightful occupier of the office of the national secretary, with both Samuel Anyanwu and Sunday Udeh-Okoye laying claim to the position. The South-East Zonal Executive Committee had earlier nominated Udeh-Okoye as the party’s National Secretary, but the matter remains unresolved.

During the meeting, the NEC also ratified the composition of the committee on the zoning of national offices ahead of the party’s national convention. The zoning committee will be chaired by Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa, with Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara serving as Vice Chairman and Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau as Secretary. The National Convention Committee will be led by Governor Ahmadu Fintiri, with Governor Ademola Adeleke as Vice Chairman and Governor Peter Mbah as Secretary.

The NEC expressed concern over the security challenges facing the country, including banditry, kidnapping, and attacks on communities. The party also lamented the economic hardship and poverty level caused by the hike in fuel prices, increase in electricity tariffs, and multiple taxes. Mr. Damagum called on the President Bola Tinubu-led administration to take practical steps to address the insecurity and economic situation in the country.

The acting national chairman reiterated the party’s belief in democracy, rule of law, and the supremacy of the will of the people. He noted that the successful convening of the NEC meeting demonstrated the party’s unity and focus despite challenges. Mr. Damagum reassured Nigerians that the PDP remains strong, resilient, and determined to lead the charge in rescuing Nigeria.

Earlier, Mr. Damagum commended the party leaders for holding the meeting despite the challenges. He noted that the meeting had been postponed several times due to various reasons but emphasized that it was essential to hold the meeting to address the party’s issues. The NEC will hold three more meetings before the national convention to sort out the contentious issues. Mr. Damagum expressed confidence that the party would overcome its challenges, saying, “We have always had an internal mechanism to surmount whatever obstacle to solve its problem.”