The National Working Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party, having observed a breakdown of party loyalty during the 2023 general elections, is set to present a crucial report to its National Executive Committee this Thursday.
The report will detail members who participated in anti-party activities, potentially shaping the future leadership and unity of the party.
In the wake of the 2023 general elections, the national leadership of the PDP had directed all state chapter chairmen to submit detailed reports on members who engaged in activities contrary to the party’s interests.
The directive, issued by PDP National Organising Secretary, Umar Bature, underscored the urgency and seriousness with which the party viewed the breaches of loyalty.
Bature emphasized, “After the elections, we expected the state chapters to give us their reports, that is the post-2023 election reports. A lot of the states have not submitted their reports and we need those reports to be compiled for the next NEC meeting.”
The anticipated report is expected to name several high-profile members, including former Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike, who has been notably critical of the party’s directions and decisions.
Wike’s public opposition to the PDP’s presidential candidate in 2023, Atiku Abubakar, after being overlooked as a vice-presidential candidate, marked a significant factional split within the party.
Wike, alongside other governors from the so-called G-5 group, actively campaigned against Atiku, favoring instead President Bola Tinubu from the All Progressives Congress.
The actions of the G-5 and others have spurred calls from Atiku’s camp and other party loyalists for strict repercussions, aiming to rein in dissent and restore party unity.
According to the PUNCH, an anonymous high-ranking member of the NWC noted, “The list will be submitted to the NEC. The list of those involved in anti-party activities is not viewed as a punishment. The report will be presented to the NEC, and based on the report, the disciplinary committee will identify individuals according to their roles and recommend appropriate sanctions.”
Additionally, the PDP faces a leadership question regarding its acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, who assumed the role following the judicial suspension of the former Chairman, Iyorchia Ayu.
The NEC’s upcoming meeting will also address whether Damagum should continue in an acting capacity or if a new leader should be appointed, highlighting the broader leadership struggles within the party.
As these events unfold, the PDP’s National Caucus, consisting of influential party members, met to set the agenda for the NEC meeting, emphasizing the need for reconciliation and discipline to steer the party back to its dominant position in Nigerian politics.
The House of Representatives minority caucus of the PDP also echoed this sentiment, calling for comprehensive measures to resolve pending litigations and restore the party’s integrity and leadership.
