The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is in fresh turmoil as two factions of its National Working Committee (NWC) scheduled different meetings at the same venue on Monday.
Acting national chairman Umar Damagum’s camp fixed an expanded caucus meeting for 1:00 p.m., while deputy national chairman (South) Taofeek Arapaja’s group insisted on holding the 100th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting at 2:00 p.m.
Speaking at a press conference on Sunday with eight NWC members, Mr Arapaja confirmed that the NEC meeting remains scheduled for June 30. He said it will receive updates from the zoning and convention organising committees, as agreed during its 99th meeting on May 27.
Quoting Section 31(3) of the PDP Constitution, Arapaja declared the date binding on all organs and members. He stressed that no group or officer could cancel or alter the already convened meeting. He also dismissed a viral notice claiming the NEC meeting had been converted to an expanded national caucus meeting, calling it fake and unconstitutional.
“There is no provision for an expanded national caucus in our constitution,” Arapaja said, adding that only the NEC has the authority to take binding decisions on behalf of the party.
Those at the press briefing included acting national secretary Setonji Koshoedo, national auditor Okechukwu Daniel, publicity secretary Debo Ologunagba, financial secretary Woyengikuro Daniel, woman leader Amina Darasimi Bryhm, and zonal vice-chairmen from South-East, South-South, and South-West.
Meanwhile, Damagum’s faction, through a notice by reinstated PDP secretary Samuel Anyanwu, announced an expanded caucus meeting for 2:00 p.m. on Monday. Guests include national caucus statutory members, deputy national officers, board of trustees members, state chairpersons, National Assembly members, former NWC officials, ex-governors, and governorship candidates still loyal to the party.
The PDP crisis continues to raise concerns over its internal unity ahead of upcoming national decisions.
