Abuja: The National Executive Committee (NEC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has decided to delay discussions regarding the party's national secretary position until June 30. This decision was announced by the acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, following the party's 99th NEC meeting held in Abuja.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Damagum revealed that the NEC received a resolution from the South-East General Executive concerning the national secretary position. It was agreed that the matter would be revisited in the next NEC meeting scheduled for June 30. The PDP South-East Zonal Executive Committee had earlier nominated former National Youth Leader, Sunday Udeh-Okoye, as the party's National Secretary, replacing Senator Samuel Anyanwu. This nomination has been a point of contention, as both Anyanwu and Udey-Okoye have laid claim to the position.
Damagum further stated that the NEC ratified the composition of the committee responsible for zoning national offices in preparation for the party's national convention. The committee is chaired by Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa, with Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara as Vice Chairman and Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau as Secretary. Members of the National Convention Committee were also announced, including Governor Ahmadu Fintiri as Chairman, Governor Ademola Adeleke as Vice Chairman, and Governor Peter Mbah as Secretary.
The NEC meeting also addressed the broader state of affairs in Nigeria and within the PDP. Damagum expressed concerns about security issues, such as banditry and kidnapping, as well as economic challenges like the rise in fuel prices and electricity tariffs. He called on President Bola Tinubu's administration to take actionable steps to address these issues.
Damagum reiterated the PDP's commitment to democracy, rule of law, and the people's will. He emphasized the party's unity and focus, despite various challenges, and reassured Nigerians of the PDP's strength and determination to lead the country effectively. He acknowledged the successful convening of the NEC meeting as a testament to the party's resilience.
In his opening remarks, Damagum praised party leaders for holding the meeting despite numerous challenges and postponements. He indicated that three more NEC meetings would be conducted before the national convention to resolve outstanding issues. Damagum highlighted the PDP's internal mechanisms for overcoming obstacles and remained optimistic about the party's ability to address self-inflicted and externally engineered challenges.